Pests to know in Kansas City
Termites in Kansas City
All of Missouri's native termites are subterranean Reticulitermes species. The eastern subterranean termite is the most common house-infesting termite in the United States.[7]
Invasive species reported here
- Johnson County Extension says Japanese beetles are a recurring Kansas City-area pest. The metallic green-and-brown beetles feed on more than 300 plant species, including roses, trees, vineyards and vegetable gardens.[2]
- The emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle whose larvae kill ash trees, has been in Missouri since 2008. It spreads mainly on transported firewood.[9]
Pests local experts flag
- The Kansas City area had a major oak leaf itch mite outbreak in 2016. The mites feed on gall larvae on pin oaks, drift down in fall and bite people, and there are no practical controls.[3]
- Five types of cockroaches commonly turn up in Missouri homes: German, brownbanded, American, oriental and wood cockroaches.[6]
Climate
Central Kansas City (ZIP 64106) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 6b, where the average coldest winter night is -5 to 0°F.[10]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Missouri's health department lists many tickborne diseases reported in the state, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, tularemia, Heartland virus and Bourbon virus.[5]
- Most tickborne diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, tularemia and Lyme disease, are reportable in Missouri so health officials can track trends and clusters.[5]
Hiring a licensed company
In Missouri, anyone applying general-use pesticides for structural or termite pest control under a certified commercial applicator's direct supervision must be licensed as a Pesticide Technician.[8]
Free local help
K-State Research and Extension in Johnson County runs an Extension Master Gardener hotline from March through October where staff help Kansas City-area residents identify lawn, garden and insect problems.[1]
Through the year
- Summer
- Japanese beetles live as adults for only about six weeks in summer, which is when Kansas City gardens take the most damage. They spend the rest of the year as grubs in the soil.[2]
- Spring to Summer
- Bagworm eggs hatch in late May or early June in the Kansas City area, the best time to treat them. They most often feed on junipers, arborvitae, spruce and pine.[4]
Sources
- K-State Research and Extension, Johnson County, “Gardening Hotline | K-State | Kansas State University.” www.johnson.k-state.edu/programs/lawn-garden/gardening-hotline/index.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- K-State Research and Extension, Johnson County, “Japanese Beetles in Kansas City | K-State | Kansas State University.” www.johnson.k-state.edu/programs/lawn-garden/agent-articles-fact-sheets-and-more/agent-articles/insects/japanese-beetles-in-kansas-city.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- K-State Research and Extension, Johnson County, “Oak Itch Mites | K-State | Kansas State University.” www.johnson.k-state.edu/programs/lawn-garden/agent-articles-fact-sheets-and-more/agent-articles/insects/oak-itch-mites.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- K-State Research and Extension, Johnson County, “Bagworms | K-State | Kansas State University.” www.johnson.k-state.edu/programs/lawn-garden/agent-articles-fact-sheets-and-more/agent-articles/insects/bagworms.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, “Tickborne Disease | Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.” health.mo.gov/conditions-diseases/communicable-diseases/tickborne-disease (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Missouri Extension, “Cockroaches | MU Extension.” extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7384 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Missouri Extension, “Subterranean Termites | MU Extension.” extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7420 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Missouri Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Pesticide Control, “Pesticide Control | Missouri Department of Agriculture.” agriculture.mo.gov/plants/pesticides/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Missouri Department of Agriculture, Plant Industries Division, “Emerald Ash Borer.” agriculture.mo.gov/plants/pests/emeraldash.php (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 64106 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/64106.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)