Cockroaches have been around for millions of years. To be exact they’ve been around for 300 million years. They were alive during the Carboniferous era. During the Carboniferous period, primitive reptiles, spiders, millipedes, land snails, scorpions, and enormous dragonflies walked or flew alongside these early pests. Early roaches looked very similar to today’s house cockroach. They were about 3.5 inches long, which is similar to roaches that are found in tropical areas such as Hawaii. Although their size and habitats have shifted over time, their basic body structure has remaind remarkably consistant. Roaches have evolved over the past 300 million years, but how have they stuck around for so long? The answer to this question is also what makes cockroach removal so difficult.
Cockroaches are very Adaptable
Cockroaches are incredibly adaptable and they always have been. They’ve been able to adjust to the changes of the earth and the inhabitants for millions of years. They even adapted to the ability to live one month without food. The reason being is that cockroaches are cold blooded insects, which is why they are found in more humid areas.
Cockroaches can also live without their heads. Cockroaches have what’s called an open circulatory system, meaning they breathe through little holes in each of their body segments. They are not dependent on the mouth or head to breathe, and they only die due to thirst. Cockroaches can’t live without water for more than a week. They have apparently always had this system, or at least, from what we’ve discovered through studying their fossils.
Cockroaches can hold their breath for 30 minutes. Roaches close their ‘spiracles’ (the air holes on the outside of the body) and conserve air inside. Cockroaches will often hold their breath even if they aren’t underwater. Researchers still aren’t sure how they can keep holding their breath and stay alive. But, we do know why they hold their breath. If the environment is dry and hot, cockroaches will hold their breath. Researchers have concluded that they do this to limit the loss of moisture from their bodies in hot areas. This ability is another example of how their physiology helps them survive in harsh conditions.
Cockroaches can run up to 3 miles per hour
Humans walk at about 3-4 miles per hour. Cockroaches are much smaller than us, but they can run the same speed as we walk. Cockroaches are about 3 inches long, and weigh around .12 grams. The secret to their speed is in their legs. All 6 legs have 3 knees each. That’s 18 knees altogether. With so many joints, their movement is precise and accurate. Very little movement is wasted, so they don’t slow down. If a roach needs to run faster, they can rise to their hind legs, and run like a human. This agility helps them escape predators, such as toads, frogs, mice, shrews, beetles, spiders, and other arachnids.
Cockroaches can eat just about anything
Cockroaches prefer foods that are more starchy, sweet, greasy, and they love meat products. But, again, cockroaches are not picky eaters. They enjoy cheese, leather, glue, hair, starch in book bindings, flakes of dried skin, decaying matter, wallpaper, and even beer. Studies have shown that American cockroaches are attracted to alcohol, and will drink it if they can have access to it. After cockroaches eat, food is broken down by enzymes present within the gastric caeca. The intestines are within the midgut, which collect nutrients. A roach’s digestive system is extremely efficient, and it is rare for them to eat something that harms them.The only thing that we know of that upsets the roach stomach is pesticides. Even then, there are exceptions. In the mid 80’s exterminators used a sugary roach bait with slow acting poisons. But by 1993, it wasn’t working. The cockroaches were completely avoiding the bait, even though it was sweet. Studies showed that cockroaches had “fixed” their internal chemistry so the glucose tasted bitter. This rapid adaptation is another reason why cockroach removal is so difficult.
Females don’t need males to reproduce
Female cockroaches can produce eggs with parthenogenesis which is a type of asexual reproduction. Insects, reptiles, and fish all will occasionally use parthenogenesis to reproduce when males aren’t present. Female cockroaches can asexually produce 16 eggs per day. However, even though they are capable of this, it is typically a last-resort strategy used only in extreme conditions. Cockroaches are social insects, and prefer to have company. But, if there are absolutely no males available, females will still reproduce.
Cockroaches can survive radiation
Out of a group of thousands of roaches, it was discovered that 10 percent could survive Hiroshima level radiation rays after 30 days of exposure. The reason being is cockroaches are simple organisms with fewer genes that might develop mutations. Their cells divide far slower than human cells. As mentioned before, roaches are able to change their internal chemistry. Because their cell division is slower and their bodies are built to adapt quickly, they can withstand levels of radiation that would be fatal to most other species. In the event of nuclear war, cockroaches would be able to divide their cells slower and adapt to the world around them, making cockroach removal an ongoing process.
Cockroaches can withstand up to 900 times their body weight
Cockroaches have extremely strong and flexible exoskeletons. The exoskeleton is the hard shell that surrounds a cockroach body. The exoskeleton is made of a protein called chitin. The dictionary defines it as “A fibrous substance consisting of polysaccharides and forming the major constituent in the exoskeleton of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi.” Chitin is comparable to keratin in mammals. Keratin is what makes up our hair and nails. Because of this structure, their shells can withstand heavy pressure- even the hardest stop or any rolled-up newspaper. They can also flatten themselves to fit into tight spaces and crevices making for an easy getaway. Like lizard’s shedding their scales, cockroaches must molt their shells 10-13 times a year. Certain pesticides prevent them from being able to shed, and it squishes them within their current shell.
Here at Green Pest Management, we know the frustration of finding one of these creepy critters within your home. We are happy to help by offering the best cockroach control near you. Our team is committed to providing fast, efficient treatment that eliminates these unwanted guests and keep them from coming back. We guarantee that we will be able to get rid of these unwanted guests in your home. Give us a call at 302-777-2390 for a free quote.
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Q&A
Why are cockroaches so hard to get rid of?
Cockroaches are difficult to eliminate because they squeene into cracks, walls, and appliances where sprays can’t reach. Their fast reproduction and ability to live in harsh conditions make them one of the toughest pests to eliminate.
Do cockroaches really produce that quickly?
Yes. A single female can produce dozens of offspring in a short period. This rapid reproduction allows small infestations to become large colonies before they’re detected.
Why do cockroaches stay hidden during the day?
Cockroaches don’t like to be seen and are primarily nocturnal and prefer dark, protected areas. They hide in scracks, behind applinaces, and inside walls, making them difficult to spot and even harder to treat. If they are seen this could be a sign of overpopulation in their hiding spots and an increasing infestation.
Can cockroaches survive without food or water?
Cockroaches can live weeks without food and days without water. Their ability to endure harsh conditions is what makes them great survivors and difficult pests to get rid of.
Are cockroaches resistant to some pesticides?
Yes. Some cockroach populations have developed resistance to common over the counter products. This resistance is one reason why DIY methods are ineffective and professional treatments are often necessary.
Do cockroaches spread germs or cause health issues?
Yes. Cockroaches can carry bacteria, tigger allergies, and worsen asthma symptoms. Their droppings, shed skin, and saliva can contaminate surfaces and indoor air quality.
Will cockroaches go away on their own?
No. Cockroaches rarely leave without intervention. They continue to breed, hide, and spread making infestations worse over time.
Why do I still see cockroaches after cleaning my home?
Cleanliness helps, but cockroaches are attracted to moisture, warmth, and shelter, not just food. Even spotless homes can have infestations.
Can DIY cockroach treatments work?
DIY products may reduce activity temporarily, but they often miss hidden nests and egg cases. Professional treatments target the entire infestation for long term results by getting rid of the adult population and breaking up the egg production cycle leading to eradication.
When should I call a pest control professional?
Call a professional if you see roaches during the day, notice recurring activity, or finding droppings or egg cases. These signs often indicate a larger, hidden infestation. Green Pest Management provides reliable cockroach control, contact us today for a free quote.
What attracts cockroaches?
Cockroches are attracted to food, moisture, warmth, and shelter. Crumbs, grease buildup, open trash, pet food, and standing water provide ideal conditions for them to thrive. Dark, undisturbed spaces such as cabinets, basement, and wall voids offer protection from light and predators. Poor sanitation and excess humidity increase the likelihood of infestation.
What do cockroaches need to survive?
Cockroaches need food, water, and shelter to survive. They are highly adaptable and can consume many organic materials, which allows them to persist in variou enviroments. Moisture is especially important, as many soecues cannot survive long without water. When these basic survival requirements are consistently available, cockroach populations can grow quickly.
How to get rid of cockraches at home?
To get rid of cockraches at home, you must eliminate food sources, reduce moisture, and use targeted pest control methods. Cleaning kitchens and bathrooms thoroughly removes crumbs, grease, and water that attract them. Sealing cracks and crevices limits their hiding spaces and entry points. Baiting systems and ongoing monitoring are key to fully eliminating an indoor infestation.
How long will a cockraoch live?
A cockrach will live for several months to over a year depending on species and habitat conditions. Their lifespan includes time spent as an egg, nymph, and adult, with adults living longer in protected indoor enviroments. Availability of food and water greatly influences surviaval. In stable indoor setting, some cockroaches can live longer than they would outdoors.
Can a cockroach survive a nuclear bomb?
No, a cockroach cannot survive a nuclear bomb explosion itself, but it can tolerate higher levels of radiation than humans. The blast, extreme heat, and shockwave from a nuclear detonation would kill cockroaches just like most other living organisms near the impact zone. However, cockroaches are more resistant to radation exposure compared to humans because of their simpler cell cycles and slower cell division rates. This higher tolerance led to the myth that they can survive a nuclear apocalypse, but survival would depend on distance from the blast and enviromental conditions.