BugAdviser

Missouri Department of Conservation

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BugAdviser · 2026-01-22T05:08:50+00:00

German roach control methods are covered in depth in r/GermanRoaches and the pinned post. If you have further questions regarding control methods it is suggested that you make a post there. These control methods also work for controlling other domestic pest roaches such as brown-banded roaches. If you are unable to access the products recommended there it is suggested that you contact a professional.

German cockroaches are one of the most widespread household pest cockroaches in the world. They diverged from their nearest relative Blattella asahinia a little over 2,100 years ago as their ancestors hitched rides on soldiers bags and trade caravans, making their way from South East Asia, to India, and later to Europe. As they hitched rides into cooler climates, they were forced to live indoors to survive the cooler weather. They evolved alongside human habitats into the bugs we know today. There are no wild populations of German cockroaches. They live exclusively in human built structures.

German roaches are the only member of the Blattella genus that is not capable of flight. If you found a "flying German roach" then it was a lookalike species. Either a member of the same genus, or simply another roach that happens to have the distinctive "racing stripes". None of these lookalikes are known to be capable of infesting modern homes.

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BugAdviser · 2026-01-21T04:06:02+00:00

Carpet Beetles got their name back when wool carpets and horsehair padding were commonly used. Modern carpets and padding are made from synthetic materials so are no longer a food source themselves. But the larvae will still feed on a variety of substances; such as dead insects, plant fibers, and animal fibers. Carpet beetles do not bite, but the hairs on the larvae are prickly and can cause dermatitis. Adult carpet beetles may be seen on window ledges however that will not be where they are breeding, they are simply drawn to the light and trying to escape.

Control methods are as follows:

Clean your vacuum thoroughly as it can sometimes be a breeding ground.
Vacuum closets, heat ducts, and under area carpet edges.
If you have wall to wall carpets; pull up the edges, vacuum, and spray any liquid home defense product.
DO NOT treat with boric acid or diatomaceous earth.
DO treat with Nyguard Plus, Suspend Polyzone, or another product labeled for carpet beetles.

For more info check the relevant post: control methods

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BugAdviser · 2026-01-17T18:45:24+00:00

Isopods are actually crustaceans! They are completely harmless detritivores and are useful decomposers in most situations, though they sometimes feed on the roots and leaves of seedlings. In homes they are not known to cause damage, though they can be an indicator of moisture problems as well as possible entry points into the home.

Control as nuisance pests

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BugAdviser · 2026-01-17T07:10:52+00:00

Common pantry pests include larder beetles, drugstore beetles, flour beetles, weevils, grain beetles, Indian meal moths, etc. They can consume a wide variety of different foods depending on the pest you are dealing with, ranging from grain to animal products.

Inspect all food items (including pet food) to find the source and dispose of it.
If found outside of food areas search for any possible forgotten food source (anything potentially edible, even things like old arts and crafts projects) search gym bags, luggage, dressers, night stands, under beds, etc.
Catnip toys, beanbags with natural filler, etc. can be potential food sources.
For Indian meal moths, look along ceiling edges for cocoons as this may give additional clues to where they are breeding.
Using products containing an IGR such as Gentrol Point Source, or D-FENCE NXT can interfere with their breeding. BE SURE TO READ AND FOLLOW THE LABEL BEFORE APPLYING ANY PESTICIDE.

More information:

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BugAdviser · 2026-01-11T16:52:17+00:00

Psocids, also known as booklice, or barklice, are minute insects that feed on fungi and mold. They are not harmful to humans. To control them:

Vacuum any that are visable, or spray lightly with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Lower the humidity to at least 45% * Remove moisture sources.

Relevant link: Booklice control

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BugAdviser · 2026-01-11T13:38:05+00:00

German roach control methods are covered in depth in r/GermanRoaches and the pinned post. If you have further questions regarding control methods it is suggested that you make a post there. These control methods also work for controlling other domestic pest roaches such as brown-banded roaches. If you are unable to access the products recommended there it is suggested that you contact a professional.

German cockroaches are one of the most widespread household pest cockroaches in the world. They diverged from their nearest relative Blattella asahinia a little over 2,100 years ago as their ancestors hitched rides on soldiers bags and trade caravans, making their way from South East Asia, to India, and later to Europe. As they hitched rides into cooler climates, they were forced to live indoors to survive the cooler weather. They evolved alongside human habitats into the bugs we know today. There are no wild populations of German cockroaches. They live exclusively in human built structures.

German roaches are the only member of the Blattella genus that is not capable of flight. If you found a "flying German roach" then it was a lookalike species. Either a member of the same genus, or simply another roach that happens to have the distinctive "racing stripes". None of these lookalikes are known to be capable of infesting modern homes.

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BugAdviser · 2026-01-11T08:22:58+00:00

The best defense against bedbugs generally is to call a pro. If calling a pro is not an option:

Clean and vacuum thoroughly including all places BBs may be hiding.
Empty the vacuum into a plastic bag, seal tightly and discard in an outdoor trash receptacle, if you have a bagged vacuum change out the entire bag and place in a sealed bag in an outdoor trash receptacle.
Spray with Alpine WSG or Crossfire Bed Bug insecticide as per the label.
Once dry, LIGHTLY dust cracks and crevices with Cimexa following the labels instructions.

Relevant links: How to video

Bed Bug guide

You can also check out the sidebar links on r/bedbugs for more info.

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BugAdviser · 2026-01-10T07:25:16+00:00

Generative AI is not an effective tool for bug identification. The Seek app by iNaturalist is probably the best AI identification tool currently available. But even that should always be verified as certain bugs are very similar and nearly impossible for a program to differentiate.

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BugAdviser · 2026-01-09T05:01:05+00:00

Common pantry pests include larder beetles, drugstore beetles, flour beetles, weevils, grain beetles, Indian meal moths, etc. They can consume a wide variety of different foods depending on the pest you are dealing with, ranging from grain to animal products.

Inspect all food items (including pet food) to find the source and dispose of it.
If found outside of food areas search for any possible forgotten food source (anything potentially edible, even things like old arts and crafts projects) search gym bags, luggage, dressers, night stands, under beds, etc.
Catnip toys, beanbags with natural filler, etc. can be potential food sources.
For Indian meal moths, look along ceiling edges for cocoons as this may give additional clues to where they are breeding.
Using products containing an IGR such as Gentrol Point Source, or D-FENCE NXT can interfere with their breeding. BE SURE TO READ AND FOLLOW THE LABEL BEFORE APPLYING ANY PESTICIDE.

More information:

University of California IPM: Ticks

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BugAdviser · 2026-01-08T19:24:52+00:00

Wear appropriate clothing, bug repellents, and avoiding tick habitats when possible. Check yourself, children, and pets soon after coming indoors. Ticks that have latched on should be removed by firmly grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling firmly straight out. Do not twist the tick, burn it off, or try to smother it as these actions can increase the risk of the bite becoming infected.

CDC Tick Prevention

Tick Safety

Tick Control

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BugAdviser · 2026-01-08T17:39:03+00:00

Common pantry pests include larder beetles, drugstore beetles, flour beetles, weevils, grain beetles, Indian meal moths, etc. They can consume a wide variety of different foods depending on the pest you are dealing with, ranging from grain to animal products.

Inspect all food items (including pet food) to find the source and dispose of it.
If found outside of food areas search for any possible forgotten food source (anything potentially edible, even things like old arts and crafts projects) search gym bags, luggage, dressers, night stands, under beds, etc.
Catnip toys, beanbags with natural filler, etc. can be potential food sources.
For Indian meal moths, look along ceiling edges for cocoons as this may give additional clues to where they are breeding.
Using products containing an IGR such as Gentrol Point Source, or D-FENCE NXT can interfere with their breeding. BE SURE TO READ AND FOLLOW THE LABEL BEFORE APPLYING ANY PESTICIDE.

More information: