Plank Termite & Pest Control
Pest ID: Cockroaches
Seeing Something Scurry?
Cockroach Control in Rolla, MO and Central Missouri
Cockroaches are one of the most unsettling pests to find in your home or business. In Rolla and Central Missouri, cockroaches thrive in warm, moist environments and often go undetected until the infestation has spread. These insects contaminate food, trigger allergies and asthma, and are known carriers of bacteria and pathogens. Once they settle in, cockroaches can be incredibly difficult to remove without professional help. At Plank Termite & Pest Control, we offer expert roach identification, treatment, and prevention services designed to eliminate infestations and restore your peace of mind.
What to Look For
How to Tell If You Have a Cockroach Infestation
Cockroaches are nocturnal and prefer to stay hidden but there are several warning signs to watch for:
- Sightings of live or dead roaches, especially at night
- Small, dark droppings that resemble ground pepper
- A strong, musty or oily odor, especially in enclosed spaces
- Egg casings (oothecae) in cracks, behind furniture, or near appliances
- Smear marks along walls or baseboards in areas with high moisture
- Shed skins in kitchen cabinets, drawers, or under sinks
Cockroach Identification
Cockroaches in Missouri come in several species, each with different habits, appearances, and hiding spots. Here are six common types found in Rolla and surrounding areas:
German Cockroaches
The most common indoor roach in Missouri. They’re light brown with two dark stripes behind the head and grow about ½ inch long.
- Found in kitchens, bathrooms, and warm appliances like microwaves
- Attracted to food crumbs, grease, and moisture
- Evidence includes tiny droppings, egg capsules, and live sightings at night
American Cockroaches
Larger (up to 2 inches), reddish-brown roaches with a yellowish band behind the head.
- Often found in basements, sewer lines, drains, and commercial buildings
- May enter through plumbing or foundation cracks
- Look for droppings and a strong oily smell in dark, damp areas
Oriental Cockroaches
Also known as “water bugs,” these are dark, shiny black roaches about 1 inch long.
- Prefer cool, damp areas like crawlspaces and floor drains
- Often found outdoors in leaf litter or under porches
- Indicate problems with moisture or drainage
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Brown-Banded Cockroaches
Smaller (about ½ inch), light brown roaches with lighter bands across their wings.
- Prefer warm, dry areas like behind wall hangings or inside electronics
- Less likely to be found in kitchens, more common in living rooms or offices
- Droppings and egg cases may appear in high places or light fixtures
Smokybrown Cockroaches
Shiny, dark mahogany roaches, slightly smaller than American roaches.
- Found in attics, garages, and outdoor areas near wood piles or gutters
- Often fly toward lights at night
- Signs include egg cases, wings, and occasional indoor sightings in warmer months
Pennsylvania Wood Roaches
Light to dark brown roaches with a flattened, oval body and tan margins on their wings. Males can fly, while females are wingless or have short wings.
- Commonly found outdoors in woodpiles, mulch, and under tree bark
- May wander indoors accidentally, especially when firewood is brought inside
- Do not typically establish indoor infestations, but their presence can be alarming
- Look for them in basements, garages, or near fireplaces during warmer months
Don’t Let Roaches Take Over
Call or text (573) 368-3333 to schedule a professional inspection and treatment with Plank Termite & Pest Control—the trusted name in roach control for Rolla and Central Missouri.
What’s Attracting Them?
Common Causes of a Cockroach Infestation
Cockroaches enter homes and businesses in search of food, water, and shelter. Even clean properties can become targets under the right conditions.
- Food crumbs, grease, or pet food left out overnight
- Leaky faucets, pipes, or condensation buildup
- Cluttered storage areas or cardboard boxes
- Cracks or gaps around doors, windows, or utility lines
- Shared walls or plumbing in multi-unit buildings
Stopping an infestation starts with identifying and removing the source. Learn more about our Cockroach Pest Control service for Rolla and Central Missouri homes and businesses.
Long-Term Protection Starts Here
How to Prevent Cockroaches in Rolla and Central Missouri
Keeping roaches out means making your space less inviting. Prevention requires ongoing care and regular inspections. Beyond being a nuisance, cockroaches pose serious health risks. They can contaminate food and surfaces, triggering allergic reactions and asthma, especially in children. Cockroaches are known to spread over 30 types of bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli, as well as parasites and pathogens linked to gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses.
To reduce your risk of infestation, follow these prevention tips:
- Clean up food spills and crumbs immediately
- Store food in sealed containers
- Take out trash regularly and use tightly sealed bins
- Fix leaks and eliminate sources of moisture
- Seal entry points around plumbing, windows, and doors
- Limit clutter and avoid storing paper bags or cardboard boxes
For full protection, ask about our Perimeter Guard Pest Control Plans, designed to defend your home or business from cockroach activity year-round.
Our Promise to You
At Plank Termite & Pest Control, we stand by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Whether it’s one roach or a hidden infestation, we’ll handle it with professionalism, care, and long-lasting results. Call or text (573) 368-3333 to schedule your cockroach inspection today.
Vickie
Thanks for doing an excellent job of debugging my house. I hate spiders, ants and wasps!
Brian
Awesome service from a very respectable young man will do businesses with them from now on
Beth Reddington
He did a great job and he answered all of my questions thank you.
JP Maxwell
I can't recommend Plank Termite & Pest Control enough! They came to our house within 2 days of scheduling and the service was incredible. Great customer service with very thorough treatment using non-harmful chemicals to us or our pets. Plank always delivers and they're locally owned!
Brian Molloy
I’ve been using Plank Pest Control for a couple of years now. My experience with them has been not only positive and professional but pleasant as well. I’ve known the Plank family since childhood and seeing the second generation of them do what they do best makes me very grateful for my acquaintance with the company. Not only do they get rid of all the creepy crawlers they make sure to answer any and all questions I might have regarding the job they’ve done.
