What is a Furniture Roach?
The so-called furniture roach isn’t a different species at all — it’s actually the Brown-Banded Cockroach. Homeowners often find them on furniture, walls, or higher locations indoors, which is why they get this misleading nickname.
Why Are They a Problem in St. Louis?
Unlike larger roaches, Brown-Banded Cockroaches don’t just stay in damp basements or kitchens. They prefer warmer, drier areas — meaning they can infest living rooms, bedrooms, and even offices. That makes them harder to control and a bigger nuisance.
How to Recognize Them
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About ½ inch long
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Light brown with two distinctive banding stripes across the wings
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Often seen on walls, ceilings, and furniture rather than floors
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More active at night, but not limited to kitchens and bathrooms
Habits and Hiding Spots
Brown-Banded Roaches tend to hide:
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Inside furniture joints
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Behind picture frames
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In electronics (TVs, radios, computers)
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Inside closets and storage boxes
Their ability to spread throughout an entire home makes them one of the trickiest roaches to eliminate without professional help.
Health Risks
Like other cockroaches, furniture roaches can:
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Contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria
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Trigger asthma and allergy symptoms
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Spread unpleasant odors in the home
How to Prevent Furniture Roaches
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Keep food sealed and kitchen areas clean
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Reduce clutter where they can hide
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Seal cracks around baseboards, cabinets, and walls
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Inspect secondhand furniture or electronics before bringing them indoors
When to Call a Professional
Because these roaches spread across the entire home, DIY sprays often fail. If you spot them regularly on walls, ceilings, or furniture, it’s time to call a pest professional for a targeted treatment.
Why Choose STL Pest Control
Since 1989, STL Pest Control has been helping St. Louis homeowners eliminate even the toughest roach infestations. Our experts know where these pests hide and use proven methods to eliminate them at the source — and prevent them from coming back.