Cockroaches are nocturnal and often considered creepy because of this. They are also known to be filthy and gross, which could be the reason why they are so widely hated. People don’t even want to think of them as harmless insects! Read on to know more about cockroaches, their habits, and whether they are dangerous or not.
What’s so special about cockroaches?
Cockroaches are interesting creatures that have been around for millions of years. They are ancient insects that are closely related to crickets and grasshoppers. There are nearly 4000 known species of cockroaches in the world! And, these insects have inhabited nearly every corner of the planet. Although only about 10% of all species are pests, they are extremely successful and are considered a “model opportunistic species.” Cockroaches are very adaptable and can thrive in almost any climate and environment. This is why they are so difficult to get rid of once they invade a home or building. They are also able to withstand very large amounts of radiation and toxic chemicals, making them extremely hard to kill with insecticides.
Are cockroaches dangerous to humans?
Cockroaches can be extremely dangerous to humans, especially if they are allergic to their droppings or saliva. Cockroaches can transmit harmful bacteria, viruses and other germs. They also leave behind allergens that can trigger asthma and other respiratory diseases. The most common health risks are food poisoning and infections. The bacteria in their saliva is linked to foodborne illnesses, such as Salmonella, E.coli, and Staphylococcus Aureus. Roaches can also trigger allergic reactions in those who are sensitive. These insects can also spread tropical illnesses, like dengue fever and Zika, through their excrement. As if that isn’t bad enough, roaches can also harm your property. They are known to spread black mold, eat your food and paper goods, and can even damage electrical wires and furniture.
How do cockroaches carry out their life cycle?
Cockroaches start their life cycle by hatching from eggs. Then, they go through several phases of molting and shedding their exoskeleton as they grow larger. Cockroach eggs are very tiny in size, almost microscopic, and can remain in a dormant state for a very long time. They can survive harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures and lack of water, to remain viable. Roaches go through a series of molts and shed their exoskeleton in order to grow and reach adulthood. They need to reach a certain size before they can breed. After mating and laying eggs, female cockroaches will carry them until they hatch and start the cycle all over again!
What do cockroaches eat and what food are they allergic to?
Roaches can eat almost anything, which is probably why they have survived for so long. They are attracted to anything that has a high amount of sugars and proteins. They are particularly fond of icky, dirty things like decaying matter, feces and other animal droppings. They also like to eat decaying wood and paper products. Some roaches eat rancid oils, like those found in your kitchen appliances like toasters and blenders. Most roaches are allergic to very sweet, sugary things like honey and sugar.
Where do cockroaches live and why are they so hard to get rid of?
Cockroaches thrive in warm, humid places, so they can survive just about anywhere. They prefer to live in dirty and dark places like basements, sewers, and kitchens. Roaches are also able to fit into very small spaces by flattening their bodies. So, they can squeeze into crevices and crawl spaces that are inaccessible to humans. This is one of the reasons they are so hard to get rid of. These resilient insects can survive without food for up to a month because they can go without oxygen and live off of the sugar in their bodies. They can also survive without water for up to two weeks. This is because they can get the water they need from the food they eat.
Conclusion
Cockroaches are nocturnal and often considered creepy because of this. They are also known to be filthy and gross, which could be the reason why they are so widely hated. People don’t even want to think of them as harmless insects! After reading about cockroaches, it is easy to see why they are so widely despised. These insects are extremely unsanitary and can cause a lot of damage and harm to the people around them. If you are dealing with an infestation, it is best to call in a professional before they get out of hand.