Cockroach Facts: 15 Surprising Facts About Roaches

Cockroaches have been in existence for millions of years. However, despite being around for years, these pests can be a downright terror, not to forget how disgusting they can be when crawling on your walls and floors.

Facts About Cockroaches

Below are some facts about cockroaches.

There are Over 4,000 Cockroach Species

Research shows that there are over 4,000 cockroach species. Common species include the American cockroach and the brown-banded cockroach. How long do roaches live? Cockroaches can survive for years. The average lifespan of an American cockroach is one year. Fossil evidence shows that cockroaches have been around for over 300 million years.

Most of them live under the ground, grasslands, swamps, caves, and fields. Contrary to popular belief, not all cockroaches are pests. Some prefer to live outdoors.

Cockroaches Can Spread Bacteria and Other Harmful Diseases

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, cockroach feces, saliva, and shed body parts can trigger an asthma reaction. That is attributed to a protein released that acts as an allergen for most people.

Other roach facts are that they carry over 30 kinds of bacteria, several pathogens, and various types of parasitic worms.

Cockroaches are Cannibals

Cockroaches eat anything like sugar, fruit, glue, cardboard, fabric, and anything they come across. Those that live near humans like starchy and sweet items. They can eat pet fur, moist food, and protein food.

Cockroaches Can live for a Week Without Their Head

Can a cockroach live without its head? Yes, cockroaches can survive without their heads. How long can a cockroach live without its head? Cockroaches can survive for a week as they do not depend on their heads to breathe. Their brains do not control all their functions, but the organs that control the vital functions are in the middle part of the thorax. A cockroach without head can survive, but it will die of thirst as it won’t be able to drink.

Cockroaches Live in Groups

Although it’s easy to spot one cockroach, you should note that they live in groups. They live a scent behind that alerts other cockroaches of their whereabouts. Cockroaches explore different areas as groups searching for food.

Cockroaches are Fast

Cockroaches can detect nearby threats by sensing changes in the air currents. A cockroach can sprint at 1.7 miles per hour, which is equivalent to eighty centimeters per second. Their ability to be elusive and fast makes them challenging to eliminate.

Cockroaches Carry Bacteria

Cockroaches have a symbiotic relationship with bacteria, which means the Bacteroides produce amino acids and vitamins that cockroaches need to survive. The bacteria live within specialized cells of the cockroaches and passed down to other cockroaches by their mothers. When cockroaches go searching for food, this may lead to contamination and spread of bacteria.

Certain Female Species Need to Mate Only Once

Cockroaches don’t need to mate every breeding season. In species with a short lifespan, the female can store enough sperm and use it to reproduce when food is plentiful or when there is no male cockroach. The females lay dozens of eggs, and store them in a case until they are ready to hatch.

Cockroaches Can’t Fly

Can roaches swim? Cockroaches can only float, but not swim. Although cockroaches have wings, they can only fall with style. Their wings allow them to flutter and glide for short distances. It’s quick for them to scur around, rather than fly.

Cockroaches are Edible

Although these pests can be creepy and disgusting, they are edible. Parts of china sell cockroaches on sticks deep-fried or roasted.

The Japanese Cockroach Can Survive Winter

While most cockroach species can’t survive the cold, the Japanese cockroach can survive eight degrees Celsius. They walk on ice and can unfreeze themselves when temperatures go back to normal.

Cockroaches are Thigmotropic

That means that cockroaches like to be touched on all sides. It’s the reason why they love to hide in crevices and cracks of your home.

Specific Cockroaches Can Grow Over 3 Inches Long

The Megaloblatta Longipennis is the world’s longest cockroach 3.8 inches long and an eight-inch wingspan. The heaviest cockroach weighs over an ounce and is a giant burrowing cockroach. The Central American giant cave cockroach can reach up to six inches.

A cockroach can hold its Breath for Forty Minutes

A cockroach can survive being underwater for thirty minutes and can be in the water for forty minutes. Doing so helps to regulate water loss.

German Cockroach Eggs Can Go to Adult in 120 Days

Cockroaches have differing lifespans, and most take a year to become adults. However, the German cockroach becomes an adult in 120 days, which leads to high populations.

Cockroaches Fart

Cockroaches fart about 35grams of methane a year, which is 40 times heavier than their weight.

These are some cockroach facts. If you suspect that you have a cockroach problem, it’s best to call in a professional pest control expert. They are equipped and have the experience to deal with a cockroach infestation.