Cockroaches are one of the most resilient and notorious pests in the world. Known for their ability to survive just about anything, these creepy crawlers have been around for millions of years, thriving in all kinds of environments. While most people want to keep them far away from their homes, cockroaches are surprisingly fascinating creatures. From their unusual diet to impressive survival skills, these pests are full of unexpected facts. In this blog, we’ll explore 7 interesting cockroach facts, including how long they can live without their head and what diseases they could carry into your property.
7 Facts About Roaches You Should Know
Are you curious about cockroaches? Here are 7 interesting facts about these widespread household pests:
1. A cockroach can live 1–2 weeks without its head.
Have you ever seen a headless cockroach scuttling across your floor? Hopefully not, but it could happen. Cockroaches breathe through little holes or spiracles in their body segments, so they actually don’t need their head to breathe. If they were to lose their head, their neck seals the space by clotting blood, and they’re able to live as usual for about 1–2 weeks. Cockroaches do require their mouths to drink water, so dehydration will eventually be their cause of death.
2. Cockroaches can live up to 1 month without food.
If you’ve taken away cockroaches’ food source in your home or business but still see them around your space, there’s a reason. Cockroaches are cold-blooded insects that can survive up to a month without food because they adapt to the temperature of their surroundings and thrive in harsh environments. If you see these pests around your environment after eliminating leftover food, crumbs, rotting fruit and vegetables, feces, and other roach food sources, give it some time, and they should be gone within the month. However, if the issue persists after this, you may have a more significant infestation and need to call the professionals.
3. Baking soda instantly kills cockroaches from the inside out.
If you want an easy DIY extermination hack, try baking soda for cockroaches. Fill a small container with water and another bowl with equal parts sugar and baking soda. Then, place these containers close to the problem areas where roaches are commonly found and wait for the mixture to work. Roaches are attracted to the water for hydration and a sugary mixture for a sweet snack—but what they don’t know is the baking soda will kill them from the inside out. Try this DIY method and watch cockroaches naturally die off in your home or business.
4. Cockroaches carry several diseases, posing a threat to your health.
It’s a well-known fact that cockroaches aren’t poisonous, but they are responsible for spreading around 33 types of bacteria, 7 types of pathogens, and 6 varieties of parasitic worms. Some common diseases roaches carry include salmonellosis, escherichia coli (E. coli), staphylococcus infections, gastroenteritis, and typhoid fever. Due to their ability to carry these potentially fatal diseases, cockroaches pose a serious health threat to humans. Apart from the diseases they carry, cockroaches often leave behind feces that appear as tiny black specks or saliva while roaming, which can worsen allergies and cause painful symptoms.
5. There are over 4,000 different species of cockroaches worldwide.
There are about 4,500 types of cockroaches in the world, but only about 30 of those are considered pests. Each state varies with differing cockroaches. For example, California cockroaches often consist of the popular German Cockroach, Smokybrown Cockroach, and the American Cockroach, among others. However, in hotter climates like Texas, you’ll most likely find Oriental Cockroaches or even flying roaches.
Throughout North America, 4 types of roaches are most common:
- Australian Cockroach: Very dark brown with yellow markings on their pronotum and forewings. Australian Cockroaches prefer plants for food, usually located in greenhouses or under bark and leaves.
- Oriental Cockroach: A medium-sized roach usually shiny black or dark reddish-brown. They’re generally attracted to cool and moist regions, often in leaf litter, a damp subfloor, or inside drainage systems.
- American Cockroach: Large and reddish-brown with a pale yellow border around their pronotum. They prefer moist, warm, and dark spaces and usually live indoors in colder regions but outdoors in hot areas. American Cockroaches are often found in roof and subfloor voids, drains, or sewers.
- German Cockroach: The most common type of cockroach that lives with humans in the same building. They’re small and stature and light brown or tan with two dark stripes on their backs. German Cockroaches seek food and warmth, commonly found in the kitchen or between crevices.
No matter your state, you’ll most likely encounter these annoying pests. If you’re experiencing a roach infestation that’s too much to handle, contact local pest control professionals for help.
6. Cockroaches can run up to 3 miles per hour.
Although cockroaches are relatively small, they can move pretty fast. With their powerful legs and specialized body segments, roaches can run up to 3 miles per hour. This ability helps them escape predators and, unfortunately, makes it extra challenging for them to catch after they’ve entered your property.
7. Cockroaches are able to bite humans.
Another surprising fact about cockroaches is that they can indeed bite humans. But don’t worry—it’s quite a rare occurrence. If they bite humans, roaches usually target the hands, feet, eyelids, and mouth area. Symptoms are typically mild but can grow into more serious conditions like swelling, lesions, or an infection. To treat cockroach bites, take an oral antihistamine and use topical anti-itch creams for relief.
Get Rid of Roaches With Preventive Pest Control
Are you dealing with cockroaches and have tried DIY hacks to no success? At Preventive Pest Control, we handle even the most stubborn roach problems. With over 20 years of experience in Southern California, we’re experts at exterminating and preventing cockroaches in regional homes and businesses. Located in Orange County and the Inland Empire, our teams are ready to be dispatched to your space to clear out these pests for good. =
Our comprehensive services include a thorough inspection, targeted treatment, and ongoing preventative care. We offer customized pest control plans, ensuring your property stays roach-free all year. Contact Preventive Pest Control before it’s too late and benefit from a peaceful property void of cockroaches.