Plank Termite & Pest Control LLC Pest Control Resource Library | Central Missouri | Plank

Voles are small rodents that can damage garden plants and bark near ground level. Missouri has prairie, woodland and meadow voles, so the word vole does not refer to just one species.

Norway rats are large rodents that may burrow around structures and use buildings for food and shelter. Suspected activity warrants identification and a coordinated control plan.

Pack rats are native woodrats, a different group from Norway rats and roof rats. A rodent seen near a rocky or wooded Missouri property needs identification before a control plan is chosen.

House mice can live in buildings where food and shelter are available. Identification and evidence help guide trapping, exclusion and follow-up.

Subterranean termites can damage wood in buildings. An inspection should distinguish observed evidence from conditions that merely suggest further investigation.

German cockroaches can establish indoor populations and need a coordinated control plan. Report suspected sightings promptly for identification.

Oriental cockroaches are dark roaches often associated with damp areas. Identification and moisture checks help guide service.

American cockroaches are large reddish-brown roaches. A sighting should be identified and assessed for its source and entry route.

Yellowjackets are social wasps that can defend nests with repeated stings. Activity near a ground opening or building cavity should be approached cautiously.

The striped bark scorpion is Missouri’s native scorpion. Avoid handling a scorpion found around your home.

Paper wasps build open comb nests and can defend them if disturbed. Nest location helps determine whether management is needed.

Honey bees are pollinators that live in colonies. A cluster or colony near a building needs identification and a location-specific response.

Carpenter bees excavate nesting tunnels in wood. Repeated activity around decks, trim or other wood deserves assessment rather than an automatic assumption of serious damage.

Bumblebees are important pollinators. Bees visiting flowers usually should be left alone rather than treated as a pest problem.

Bald-faced hornets are social wasps that defend their nests. Keep your distance from an active nest and arrange an assessment if it is near people.

Bed bugs are small, blood-feeding insects that hide near sleeping or resting areas. Identification should come from physical evidence, not a pattern of skin marks.