After 300 million years of existence on Earth, cockroaches have established themselves as adaptive creatures that put up quite the fight. While you may not want to encounter them in person, and certainly not in your own home or business, they do have a colorful and fascinating history. To better understand these prehistoric pests, we dug up the seven most interesting facts about cockroaches we could uncover.
And if you uncover roaches where you live or work, call the professional pest removal team at Plunkett’s. We know how to eliminate stubborn pest problems before they get out of hand. That’s a fact!
7 Facts About Cockroaches You Should Know
1. There are cockroaches in your chocolate.
The label on your chocolate bar is missing a key ingredient — cockroaches! That’s right, there are typically about 8 insect pieces inside every chocolate bar. According to FDA guidelines, this is a safe amount, and the only way to combat the problem is to add more pesticides, which would be worse than eating cockroaches. At least you’re incorporating protein into your diet.
2. Cockroaches can cause allergic reactions.
If you believe you suffer from a chocolate allergy, it might not be the sweet treat causing you to break out in hives after all. In fact, it could be the cockroach parts inside the chocolate causing an allergic reaction. Respiratory problems, migraines, cramps, and itching have been tied to cockroach exposure.
If you have cockroaches on your property, airborne particles from cockroach saliva, feces, and eggs can cause allergic reactions or exacerbate asthma conditions for those who already suffer. If you find yourself with itchy eyes and a runny nose, it may be time to call the pest experts.
3. Cockroaches are not morning insects.
When cockroaches roll out of bed, they cannot form new memories. Research suggests that it takes time before cockroaches can be deemed “functional” and often don’t pick up new information until later in the day. Given that cockroaches are primarily nocturnal, this means they are out learning how to get into your food while you’re fast asleep. Make sure you know the signs of a cockroach infestation.
4. There are thousands of cockroach species.
There are nearly 4,500 species of cockroaches in the world. They weren’t introduced into the United States until the 1600s, but new breeds are still being discovered. Only a handful of these, including the German and American cockroach, are considered common pests in the United States.
5. Cockroaches go extended periods without breathing.
Cockroaches love moisture. When they go for a swim, they can submerge themselves for half an hour and can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes. They’re not doing this just because they can. A cockroach holds its breath to take advantage of its efficient breathing system. That means drowning a cockroach or flushing it down the toilet might not necessarily kill it.
6. Cockroaches can survive weeks without food, water, or their head.
Cockroaches aren’t picky eaters, but they love sweet, greasy, and moldy foods commonly found around kitchens and in garbage cans. However, when food is in short supply, cockroaches can persevere. Some can go for one month without food but only survive a week without water. Surprisingly, a cockroach can live without its head, but it’s the inability to drink that kills it.
7. Cockroaches are fast.
Three miles an hour may not seem very fast, but for insects, that’s nearly light speed. It’s certainly enough for cockroaches to quickly invade your space or elude you once they’re inside. Even baby cockroaches can be incredibly quick. Because cockroaches use tiny, sensitive hairs to detect air current changes, they can sense you coming long before you’re within arm’s reach. While cockroaches can fly, they are clumsy in the air and rely on their ground dexterity to survive.
Cockroach Fact: You Need a Pest Control Company You Can Trust
Cockroaches are challenging pests to deal with and sow havoc once they establish themselves. That’s why engaging a pest control company that gets results quickly is crucial. Plunkett’s Pest Control has the experience and expertise to rid your space of difficult cockroach invasions. Contact us today for fast and professional cockroach removal services.
