Roaches
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Roaches, also known as cockroaches, are pesky insects from the order Blattodea and they have been around for more than 350 million years.
While roaches are one of the most primitive winged insects, they are very sturdy and easily adapt to any weather condition including extremely high or low temperatures.
There are over 4,600 roach species in the world, and about 30 of those species are in constant human habitats in search of food and shelter.
In some parts of the world, roaches are considered a delicacy full of protein, and in other parts, they are seen as pests that transmit diseases. While they might be important for the ecosystem, they are very resilient and multiply fast, so the population of roaches needs to be managed properly.
Are Roaches Considered Pests?
Yes, in the United States some roach species that thrive in human habitats are considered pests.
While roaches are not famous for biting or stinging mammals and humans, they are very comfortable in homes, where food sources are available and perfect hiding places. Roaches leave nasty odor and residue all around the home, and their numbers quickly increase.
Because they can carry pathogens and bacteria throughout the home and cause severe allergic reactions in humans, they are considered pests.
What Does a Cockroach Look Like?
Most roaches are dark brown, reddish, or black in color, and they are usually the size of a thumbnail. Some species are smaller, in colder climates but also large specimens in the tropics that can grow up to 3 inches.
Roaches have large and flat bodies and relatively small heads with compound eyes, two ocelli, and long antennae. The head also has simple chewing mouthparts and salivary glands.
Roaches have a tough exoskeleton that protects the inner organs and makes this insect adaptable and resilient in any environment. Cockroaches also have wings and strong hind legs that help them run fast and avoid all predators with ease.
Various Roach Species
There are over 4,600 roach species worldwide, but only a few of them are associated with human homes. These include:
All roaches are equipped to withstand high and low temperatures, extreme pressure, and all conditions making them one of the most resilient pests in the world. They will eat almost anything and gladly feast on other dead roaches, feces, and insects.
Average lifespan of a roach is about one year, but they can last a few months without food. This means that even if you don’t see a roach for some time in your home, the infestation might not be over.
Some species can survive without air for 45 minutes, while others are known to eat just the glue from the postage stamps and survive.
Cockroaches are extremely social insects with developed communication, organization, and even parental care behavior.
They communicate using pheromones and follow the trails to discover food and water sources. Some roach species even produce chirping or buzzing noises to show different moods and signals.
Common Treatments for Roaches:
Roaches are very hardy and resilient insects that easily find a place to crawl into homes and multiply. Considering they are attracted by food, humid and dark places, the best way to repel roaches from your home is to keep everything clean and tightly sealed.
In case of mild infestations, Diatomaceous Earth and mild chemical repellents can be effective, and some people prefer glue traps and pesticides to eliminate more bugs at once.
It’s always a good idea to contact professionals and ask for help with roach infestations because they can become overwhelming in a short period of time. They are not easy to eliminate and almost always manage to survive long enough to continue the infestation, so proper management of the roach population is a must.