15 Interesting Facts about Cockroaches

Introduction:

Cockroaches are one of the most persistent pests in the world. They may be small, but they are incredibly resilient and can be found in almost every corner of the earth. Indeed, they have been around for millions of years and continue to thrive despite our best efforts to control them. Interestingly, there are many facts about cockroaches that are not well known or understood. Here are 15 interesting facts about cockroaches that we think you didn’t know!

Fact 1: There are Around 4,000 Cockroach Species.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, cockroaches come in many shapes and sizes. While the common ‘American’ cockroach is probably the most well-known of these species, there are actually around 4,000 known cockroach species all over the world. The German cockroach and the Oriental cockroach, for example, are more prevalent in Europe while the Cuban and Palmetto cockroaches are found mainly in the United States. Some species of cockroach can even fly for short distances.

Fact 2: Cockroaches love to eat almost anything.

Cockroaches are omnivorous and have no qualms about scavenging for whatever food they can find. This includes everything from plant and animal matter to glue and paper! They have even been seen eating candles and fingernail clippings. Yuck!

Fact 3: Certain Cockroach Species Can Survive for Weeks Without Water.

Cockroaches can survive in some of the driest places in the world. Some species such as the Australian burrowing cockroach can survive for weeks without water! This is an adaptation to their natural habitat.

Fact 4: Some Cockroach Species Can Live without Oxygen for 45 Minutes.

There are some species of cockroaches that can live without oxygen for up to 45 minutes. This remarkable survival adaptation means that the cockroaches can inhabit places that other creatures can’t – such as cracks in walls and other confined spaces.

Fact 5: Cockroaches Are Good Communicators.

Cockroaches can communicate with each other with the use of pheromones and vibrations. They use pheromones to attract mates, mark trails and create nests, while vibrations can warn other cockroaches of danger.

Fact 6: Baby Cockroaches Are Called “Nymphs.”

Cockroach babies, also known as nymphs, look like miniature adults. They don’t have wings, but as they grow they develop wings and eventually grow into adults.

Fact 7: Cockroaches Shed Their Skin.

Cockroaches regularly shed their skin as they grow. This process is known as molting and the discarded skin can sometimes be found around infested areas.

Fact 8: Cockroaches Have Strong Immune Systems.

Cockroaches have very strong immune systems that can quickly adapt to new environments. This means that it can be very difficult to kill them, as they quickly develop resistance to many of the chemicals and pesticides used by pest control.

Fact 9: Cockroaches Love Moisture.

Cockroaches love warm, dark and moist places, so they are often found living in bathrooms and kitchens. They feed on decaying food and other organic matter found in these areas, as well as being attracted to standing water.

Fact 10: Not All Cockroaches Are Pests.

While cockroaches are probably best known for being annoying, dirty pests, there are some species that are actually beneficial. These include the wood-eating cockroach from Australia and the Rhinoceros cockroach from Madagascar, both of which actually help decompose organic matter.

Fact 11: Cockroaches Fasted During The Plague.

Cockroaches have survived for millions of years and even during historically difficult times, such as during the plague in Europe in the 14th century. It is believed that the cockroaches survived by fasting, as they can survive for weeks without food.

Fact 12: Cockroaches Can Reproduce Quickly.

Cockroaches are prolific breeders and can produce several generations in a relatively short space of time. In fact, one female cockroach can lay up to 250 eggs at a time!

Fact 13: Cockroaches Are Sometimes Used as Food.

You may not think of roaches as a culinary delicacy, but they are actually considered a delicacy in some parts of the world. In Thailand, for example, they are deep-fried or made into crunchy snacks.

Fact 14: Cockroaches Have Been Around for Millions of Years.

Cockroaches have been around for millions of years and have outlived many different species. In fact, they were around long before the dinosaurs! They are truly a remarkable species.

Fact 15: Cockroaches Are Resistant to Radiation.

Cockroaches are incredibly resilient and can survive even the harshest of environments. This includes radiation exposure – experiments have shown that cockroaches can survive 10 times more radiation than humans!

Conclusion

Cockroaches are some of the most resilient creatures on the planet and have been around for millions of years. They are able to survive in extreme conditions and are not easily killed. They have even been known to fast during difficult times and are resistant to radiation! Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no denying that they are incredibly fascinating creatures.