can cockroaches see you
Cockroaches are one of the most reviled pests in homes and businesses worldwide. Their tendency to invade our personal space, leave behind nasty stains, and — in some cases — spread disease makes them about as unappealing a visitor as you could imagine. However, despite their unsavory reputation, cockroaches aren’t all that sinister after all. These clever little insects have evolved to thrive in almost any environment humans will tolerate, making it no surprise that they’ve managed to remain a permanent fixture throughout history. While you may not exactly love these creatures for their endearing qualities, there are several interesting facts about cockroaches that may surprise you. After reading this article, you may never look at cockroaches the same way again…
Cockroaches like the dark
Cockroaches are nocturnal insects that prefer dimly lit or dark environments to thrive in. This is one of the reasons they are so commonly found in residential and commercial buildings. For many species of cockroach, the ability to thrive in dark environments is a survival technique that allows them to avoid predators. Many predators rely on sight to catch their prey, so cockroaches that can avoid detection in low-light conditions can live long enough to reproduce and pass on their genes.
Cockroaches will eat basically anything
Cockroaches are scavengers, meaning that they eat pretty much anything that’s edible and isn’t too large to consume. In fact, the only things that roaches don’t eat are plant material, sugar, and a few other exceptions. When humans are present, roaches usually gravitate toward things like grease and sugar. This is largely because humans have a tendency to leave such things behind when they’re finished, whereas the tastier, healthier food remains on the plate. However, when given the option, roaches prefer to feed on organic matter over inorganic. If a roach has a choice between a slice of bread and a piece of cardboard, it will usually choose the bread.
Cockroach eggs are incubated in a dark environment
While eggs of many species must be incubated in warm conditions to hatch, roach eggs can be incubated in dark, cooler environments. This means that female roaches need only find a dark corner to lay their eggs, and they will hatch in just a few weeks. Because of this, roaches can quickly multiply, resulting in a huge infestation before homeowners are ever aware of the problem. This is why it’s important to catch a roach problem early and to call an exterminator. Professional pest control specialists have access to special poisons that homeowners do not. These poisons are designed specifically to kill cockroaches, but they only work when applied to the roaches’ habitat in the correct manner.
Some species of cockroach glow in the dark
If you had to choose a word to describe roaches, “magical” would likely not be the one that springs to mind. However, the rhinoceros cockroach (a type of cockroach commonly kept as a pet) is actually capable of emitting a faint, blue glow. This glow is caused by a chemical reaction in the insect’s hemolymph, or blood. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as “autogenic luminescence,” and it’s not unique to rhinoceros roaches. Two other types of roaches (the Pacific beetle cockroach and the Asian glow worm cockroach) are able to emit a similar faint blue glow. These species are all closely related and are all kept as exotic pets.
Roach communication is based on scent
Cockroach communication is largely based on scent. Male and female roaches use pheromones to attract mates, and baby roaches use scent to signal that they are in danger. Roaches use scent to communicate with each other for a few reasons. First, scent travels quickly and can reach multiple individuals at once. Secondly, scent is difficult to notice unless you are familiar with what it smells like, making scent an ideal mode of communication for an insect that most people try to eradicate.
Despite their resistance to poison, roaches can be killed easily with the right tactics and products
Despite their reputation as pests that are difficult to kill, roaches are actually fairly easy to get rid of. Their hard exoskeleton and resistance to most poisons make them difficult to kill with one method. However, roaches can be killed easily with the right tactics and products. You can start with a thorough inspection of your home. Look for signs of roaches and carefully remove them so you can identify them. Once you know the breed of roach you’re dealing with, you can use the best roach baits and sprays to get rid of them.
Conclusion
Cockroaches are fascinating creatures and have proven to be surprisingly resilient in the face of human civilization. While they can be a nuisance to many homeowners, they have managed to survive for tens of millions of years. Whether you live in a city or out in the country, these pests are likely to find their way to you at some point. However, armed with the facts about cockroaches, you can better prepare for their arrival and ensure that your home stays pest-free for as long as possible.
can cockroaches see you
