30 Mind-Blowing Facts About Cockroaches

Cockroaches are by far the most disgusting creatures. Personally, I have developed what Psychologists call as Katsaridaphobia because of unfortunate cockroach encounters. I’m sure that some of you have heard of the term. Katsaridaphobia is the fear of cockroaches. So, what is the big deal? Phobia is more extreme than fear. When we are afraid, it is normal for us to sweat, scream, run, and palpitate.  But if a person acquires the psychological disorder phobia, he will experience more than just these symptoms.

He or she is more likely to experience panic attacks by just the mere thought of the object of fear. When a person has a phobia, he or she is more likely to become dysfunctional in life. For example, when I had Katsaridaphobia, I did not want to enter the bathroom or the kitchen upon the anticipation that there are cockroaches lurking around. Even if I really wanted to pee, I would call for my mom to make sure that there are no cockroaches in the comfort room. Imagine the discomfort that my condition brought me.

The Facts About Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the creatures we want out of our houses immediately. But you know what? Cockroaches are more than what meets the eye. They have several characteristics that make them unique. As much as we hate to admit, these mind-blowing facts will make you see how amazing these creatures really are. Disgusting, ugly, and creepy. These are usually the words used to describe cockroaches, and yes, these may be true, but you know what else? Cockroaches are unique insects, and as much as you may hate to admit it, amazing creatures. How amazing? Read on (if you have the guts, that is).

• All over the world, there 4,600 different species of spiders. Only 30 of which can share human habitat. 4 are considered as household pests. 
• You may think that these puny creatures are fragile especially in new environments. The truth is, cockroaches are very adaptive. They can easily adjust to the changing weather and the environment. 
• Cockroaches are way older than the human race. They have been walking this earth for more than 359 million years. Their origin dates back to the Carboniferous period.  
• If you are already scared of cockroaches ranging to 1-2 inches in length, you might faint when you see a cockroach as big as 3 inches. Did you know that the largest cockroach is the Megaloblatta longipennis which can grow up to 3.8 inches with an 8-inch wingspan? The species is commonly found in Central and South America.
• Cockroaches can survive anything, even a nuclear explosion. They will eat literally anything just to survive – from fruits to meat, to debris, even the carcass of other animals just to live. 
• Just like amphibians, cockroaches are cold-blooded animals. It means that these creatures can maintain a low metabolism. So, they can survive famine. But they cannot survive drought. Cockroaches are highly hydrophilic. They cannot live without water. They can live for months without food. But they cannot live for weeks without water.  
• Cockroaches can live for another week without their heads. To some of you who cut cockroach heads for elimination, it does not work as much as you know. They can still walk around and spread diseases for another week. The difference is, they are directionless without their head. Who knows where they can go without a sense of sight and fear. 
• Many ask, how can cockroaches live for days without a head and other pests can’t? Well, after their heads have been cut off, clotting will seal off their neck to prevent blood loss. Their head is not responsible for respiration. So, they’ll be good for a while before they die of hunger. 
• Did you know that cockroaches have a thing called spiracles? These are little holes that are present in every segment of their bodies. This is responsible for sending air to their trachea and spreading oxygen to a cockroach’s body.
• Furthermore, they have what scientists call as ganglia clumps that are present in every segment of the body. These are nothing but agglomerations of nerve tissues. Ganglia clumps are capable of executing the basic nervous functions of cockroaches which control their reflexes.
• Did you know that cockroaches are fast runners? At a speed of 3 miles per hour, they can spread millions of bacteria at home. The hind limbs of these creatures can move up to 27 times per second while running. Their spines on their legs allow the cockroaches to maintain their speed without slipping or falling. This explains how they can walk on walls and ceilings.
• We have discussed that there are four species of cockroaches that are known as common household pests. They are as follows: The German cockroach, The American cockroach, The Australian cockroach, and The Oriental cockroach.
• Did you know that it takes around 123 days before a baby cockroach turns into an adult? This is a significant amount of time, considering that most pests reach adult stage in just 2 to 3 months. 
• This might come as a shock but cockroaches are very attracted to alcohol. Well, not the rubbing kind, but the drinking kind. This is the reason why cockroaches are very common in bars and restaurants that serve beer. They love the beverage considering its sugar content. Experts advise that if you have beers at home, make sure to dispose of the bottles after you’re finished. If not, close the lids tightly and store it in a secure place. You would not want any attraction that would cause a cockroach infestation. 
• Can you imagine if people ate cockroaches? By just the thought of it, it makes me want to barf. However, there are certain countries in the world who actually eat cockroaches! In China, they create several dishes out of cockroaches. Some prefer it roasted and fried, and sold on sticks. Just like a kebab! There are other dishes made with cockroaches. No matter how doctors disapprove of the culture of eating cockroaches because they are full of parasites and bacteria, it seems like cockroaches are a popular dish in these countries. 
• Cockroaches are known as winter pests not because of their ability to ward off cold. It’s actually quite the opposite. Cockroaches have a low chance of survival during winter because they cannot stand the cold. This is the reason why they infest homes to outlive the cold season. These creatures are cold-blooded animals. Their body temperature depends on the environment. If their surroundings get too cold, their bodies won’t be able to take it. However, there are some species that can ward off the cold. The Japanese cockroach can withstand a temperature as low as-8 degree Celsius. If its body freezes, it can unfreeze itself when the temperature gets warmer. 
• Have you ever heard of the word approach? No? It is a newly discovered species found in the Table Mountains in South Africa. These roaches got their name from their ability to jump. If you are fearful of cockroaches who can fly, how much more if they can leap towards you or your food. I just hope it does not travel its way to our households. 
• Another mind-blowing fact about cockroaches is that they are thigmotropism. They like to be touched all over. This is the reason why they love tight spaces in your homes like crevices and fissures. They also love living in clutters because they love the sensation of being touched.
• Did you know that cockroaches can be trained like dogs? Experts Makoto Mizunami and  Hidehiro Wantanabe from Tohoku University discovered that these creatures can be a condition like dogs. We all know that cockroaches are repelled by the smell of peppermint. But when these experts paired it with a sugary treat, they started to drool at the smell of peppermint after a few trials. 
• Unlike mice, cockroaches have a very poor memory. They are not early birds, and they have the inability to store memories.
• Cockroaches fart around 35 gm of methane each year. That is  43 times heavier than their bodies. 
• Furthermore, cockroaches are social animals. Even if you see them forage alone, they live in communities just like human beings. For example, the German cockroach secretes pheromones which signal and attracts other roaches.
• Even though cockroaches are often blamed for various diseases, they can be beneficial to the ecosystem too. These creatures help in the decomposition of debris. Therefore, they help to bring needed nutrients back to the soil. Cockroaches are also an important part of the food chain. They serve as food for animals such as lizards and birds. 

Avoid Cockroach Infestations

Cockroaches are important creatures in our ecosystem. Despite its labels, they can be very productive in the environment. However, there is a reason why they are called pests. They can still spread diseases and damaged goods. So, it’s important to call for a local exterminator near Denver, NC. Lake Norman Home Services has been providing top-quality service for more than 50 years. If you want a competent and reliable pest management process, call for the experts from Lake Norman Home Services. At an affordable price, you can finally have the cockroach-free life you deserve.