Cockroaches have exoskeletons that are made up of overlapping plates with elastic membranes. These membranes allow cockroaches to redirect their strength to their legs. They let them squeeze through narrow cracks and holes. Their firm, dense outer covering also gives protection and flexibility.
There’s also the common joke that cockroaches can live through the apocalypse. Though this isn’t accurate, cockroaches are hard to kill. Using bug spray or attempting to squeeze a cockroach under a shoe may not even be effective.
Why, then, is it so hard to kill cockroaches? And how do you get rid of them for good?
Cockroaches and Adaptability
Cockroaches are all made to withstand everything life throws at them. Their adaptability is remarkable.
It is a fallacy that cockroaches can survive a nuclear explosion. However, there’s still a lot of proof that cockroaches are hard to kill. In the face of death, what renders these creepy creatures so resilient?
Evolution and Cockroaches
Cockroaches have been around for more than 300 million years now. One of the reasons they have been able to stick around this long is that they change with the times. Cockroaches have survived mass extinctions that wiped out many species in the past. Now they are adapting to resist efforts to end them.
Cockroaches and their Immune System
Aside from having above-average senses, cockroaches also have a strong immune system. The secret lies in their genome. Cockroaches can eat substances that would otherwise be harmful to other insects or animals. Their genes use enzymes present in gut bacteria to cleanse toxic foods.
Exoskeleton and Cockroaches
Cockroaches can survive compression stresses of up to 900 times their weight. Their exoskeleton’s structure is mainly responsible for it. It causes them to flatten down and resist anything pressing on them. Their evolved spines also give their legs a stronger grip. This allows them to flee even under physical pressure, like when a person steps on them.
Atypical Reproduction
Cockroaches are among the few creatures in the world that do not need males to reproduce. Males will opt to breed with females if they are available. Female cockroaches can spawn through parthenogenesis if male cockroaches are lacking.
Insecticide Resistance
Like microorganisms, cockroaches can develop resistance to pesticides. Their immune systems and gut bacteria protect them against pesticides. Roaches have a reproductive cycle of about 100 days.
No Need for Food and Water
Cockroaches can live for 45 days without food and more than two weeks without food and water. Cockroaches can eat almost anything, like glue, hair, decayed leaves, and paper. However, they do not eat cucumbers.
Ways To Effectively Kill Cockroaches
Insecticides can help kill one cycle of cockroaches. But, they could not get rid of the massive infestation that had the time to grow. If you want to get rid of cockroaches forever, you need a thorough plan. Preventing future infestations is just as important.
- Identify Infested Areas. Perform a thorough examination to identify areas where cockroaches may be swarming. Knowing all the locations that need treatment saves you time and money.
- Seal Entrances Or Use Traps. If cockroaches see any entrance, they will use it. Look for holes, cracks, or spaces in the walls or underneath doors. Seal potential openings to prevent cockroaches from entering your home. You can also use a glue trap. It is one of the easiest methods of identifying and catching cockroaches. If you put glue traps in their passageways, you can stop them from entering your home.
- Reduce Population. Population reduction is essential in dealing with any infestation. The fastest way to prevent future generations from hatching is to kill all the roaches. It’s easier to get rid of a large colony if you use roach baits or powders.
- Clean Infested Areas. Easy access to food attracts cockroaches. Cockroach feces also attracts other roaches. So, you’ll need to clean any locations where these pests have been. It’s also essential to keep your home tidy, particularly your kitchen. You should also store all food in airtight containers to avoid pest infestation.
- Protect All Trash Cans. Cockroaches, like many insects, love trash cans. It’s the perfect spot for food scraps! So, always empty and clean your trash cans and don’t leave them open.
- Be Vigilant. It’s natural to relax and unwind after you’ve gotten rid of a roach infestation. Always keep the place clean and check high-risk spots regularly. The sooner you notice a small infestation, the easier it is to get rid of it.
| Facts on Cockroaches | |
| Speedy Travel | Cockroaches are capable of reaching speeds of up to 3 mph, or around 50 body lengths per second. They are sensitive to even the smallest vibrations, making it difficult to sneak up on them. It’s likely that by the moment you start chasing a cockroach, it’ll be long gone. |
| Lack of Heads | Without their heads, cockroaches will die in a week due to hunger and thirst. They will die of dehydration first, as they can last a month without eating. |
| Cockroaches and Self-Reproduction | Cockroaches do not need males to reproduce. Males can breed with females if they are available. Female cockroaches can spawn through parthenogenesis if there is a lack of males. |
Don’t get burdened with cockroach infestation at home. Schedule an appointment with the experts from PestGuide.
Pro Tip
“Ensure that you won’t hit and miss when dealing with a cockroach infestation by looking for their nesting place.”
– PestGuide.org
Killing Roaches with Ease
DIY treatments can only do so much, and they’re more successful on minor infestations. Before these roaches get a chance to reproduce, call a pest control professional. Their experience and expertise are excellent assets to keep your home safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can squash them with hard objects or use bug sprays and chemicals. However, this isn’t often enough to kill an entire infestation. It’s best to call a professional for a thorough extermination.
Yes, they certainly do! When a cockroach dies, it releases oleic acid. It has a strong odour that attracts more cockroaches.
Yes, killing cockroaches is cruel. However, it is necessary to keep your home safe and clean.
