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What’s on your mind by the time you hear the name of these little insects “cockroaches”? I bet not a very good one. Cockroaches are being defined as common insect pests infesting homes and other food service establishments. These ugly guys are also claimed to be dangerous as they can transmit more than 33 diseases, most common known is Asthma in children. But we shouldn’t judge things from the negative perspective only, yet every single creature in this world is made by God for a purpose. The same thing applies with the cockroaches. Unfortunately, the bad things remain mostly in the head. Sorry :p
If you know very little about these pests and you have cockroaches problem, you’ll want to read over the information below so you can better deal with them.
Here are eight cockroach facts:
1. Cockroaches Have Been Around Since the Time of Dinosaurs
Cockroaches Have Been Around Since the Time of Dinosaurs – Photo via www.youtube.com
If you were given time to look back and live in the Jurassic Period, you might easily recognize the cockroaches crawling under stones and logs. Yes, this creature had been here (on Earth) millions of years before us. The fossil record shows that Paleozoic cockroaches had an external ovipositor, a trait that disappeared during the Mesozoic Era, which means cockroaches first came to earth to be about 200 – 350 million years ago.
2. Cockroaches Are Real Scavengers
Cockroaches Are Real Scavengers – Photo via www.greenleafpestcontrol.com
These guys can almost eat about anything. Things like soap, leather, book bindings, hair, glue, grease, paste and you name it. However, they prefer sweets given a choice. That’s why if you left your birthday cake or ice cream remain opened, that foods probably have been contaminated or stolen by them.
3. The True Survivor
The True Survivor – Photo via www.en.wikipedia.org
This may surprise you a bit, but I’m pretty sure that you won’t believe the thing I’m going to tell you about them.
Cockroaches are a real survivor. Some species can go as long as 6 weeks without a meal. It’s even surprising if I tell you that they can live without their heads on roughly for seven days. They die on thirst because their mouths have been cut off as they cannot drink, not because they can’t eat. They are fine for weeks without a meal, but not for water.
In addition, the cockroaches also can hold their breath for about 40 minutes and as a comparison, the best human can do is only 9 minutes. That’s what world record told us.
Well, now you tell me one creature or animal/insect/whatever it is that can survive like what the cockroaches can do? I know you are now typing on the new tab about this, so you can prove me wrong. Good luck! :p
4. The Largest Ever Cockroach is Six Inches
The Largest Ever Cockroach is Six Inches – Photo via www.en.wikipedia.org
Hey, wait. What? Six Inches? Are you kidding me? Even the smallest one causes most of us to grimace and want to run for the hills.
The larger ever cockroach was discovered in South America. It is 6 inches long and has a one-foot wingspan.
Watch out humans! We are now sizing up and ready to colonize your world. Brace yourself!
5. Female Cockroaches Stay Pregnant for Life
Female Cockroaches Stay Pregnant for Life – Photo via www.en.wikipedia.org
I’m not lying to you, people. It’s true. Some female cockroaches only mate once and remain pregnant for the rest of their lifes. They’re just pregnant, pregnant and pregnant. Well, stop it! Now grab your smasher and be ready to attack the colony before they are getting more and more.
6. They are D*** Fast
They are D*** Fast – Photo via www.domyownpestcontrol.com
I don’t have to tell you about this. Anyone who shares their home with cockroaches will tell you how fast they scurry for cover when you flip on the light switch. The reasons why they can do such thing are because they can detect approaching threats by sensing changes in the air currents and they can run up to 3 miles an hour. Once all six legs are in motion, cockroaches can sprint at speeds of 80 centimeters per second.
If you are a type of people who are seldom doing the sports and having slow reflexes, NO HOPE! You better give up and let them go.
7. Cockroaches Like to be Touched
Cockroaches Like to be Touched – Photo via www.bullhead-city.zapcoldsoresaway.com
“Touch me like you do, ohhh, touch me like you do…” *singing Ellie Goulding’s song*
Cockroaches are thigmotropic, meaning they like feeling something solid in contact with their bodies, preferably on all sides. This is the reason why they prefer live in the cracks or in a tight fit place. But, I guess soon they will love to try the bed. *kidding*
8. Bacteria = Vitamin
Bacteria = Vitamin – Photo via www.en.wikipedia.org
If humans get a vitamin from the foods they consume, cockroaches do the opposite.
Experts found that most of the cockroaches get vitamin not from the foods they are eating, but it is already there, inside their own bodies. Cockroaches have carried on a symbiotic relationship with special bacteria. These bacteria provide all vitamins needed by the cockroaches. What a nice MOU, Dude!
Those are facts about our unwanted members of family in our house. There are many others for sure, make sure you’re coming back for the rest.
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