All About Cockroaches

Fischer 4/5 2020-2021

With skittering legs, creepy crawly sounds, and seemingly indestructible bodies, cockroaches are some of the world’s most well-known pests.&nbsp;Their name brings up images of a thousand legs fleeing with the flick of a light, or a pantry infested with critters and an offensive smell. But why do cockroaches have this claim to fame? What makes them the ultimate pest?&nbsp;

Cockroaches can sometimes play a role as carriers of intestinal diseases, such as diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid fever and cholera. YIKES!

Cockroaches are among the most common pests in many homes and other buildings. They can be found all around the globe. They are tropical in origin but can live anywhere there is adequate warmth, moisture and food. They have even been found in the Arctic!

There are over 4,000 different&nbsp;species of cockroaches&nbsp;across the planet of which about 40 species are considered pests

A few of the 4000 species of cockroach and how to identify them in different life stages

This is an anatomical drawing of a cockroach 

Cockroaches are pests because they ruin food, clothing, books, and other materials. They will puke up parts of their undigested food, and poop on all the things you love. Doesn’t sound great does it?&nbsp; One of the worst parts about cockroaches is their calling card- a disgusting smell that follows wherever they go. It is caused by a nauseous secretion from their mouth and gland openings

Pros of Killing Cockroaches&nbsp;&nbsp; You get rid of them!&nbsp;&nbsp; They&nbsp;wont&nbsp;eat your&nbsp;food&nbsp; You&nbsp;wont&nbsp;be&nbsp;embarrassed&nbsp;when people come over&nbsp;&nbsp; Cons of Killing Cockroaches&nbsp;&nbsp; -Cockroaches are living creatures&nbsp; Cockroaches are part of the food&nbsp;chain&nbsp; Cockroaches eat the crumbs and garbage that would otherwise go to waste&nbsp;

We know that a cockroach skittering across your kitchen floor is enough to send shivers up most people's spines; but are they all bad, or do they just have a bad reputation? Before you squash one under your boot, you might consider the benefits they provide to humans and their natural ecosystems.

Some people love them so much they even keep cockroaches for pets! One of the most common species of pet is the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach pictured here.

Cockroaches are professional recyclers, chowing down just about anything, including dead plants and animals, and animal waste. Their digestive systems are up to the task because they contain bacteria and protozoa that help convert the world's waste into easily-absorbed nutrients

In nature, cockroaches provide food for other animals, many of which we treasure. Some species of birds and small mammals could not survive without this food source. They also help to pollinate flowers and plants as they climb through their environment.

So what do you think? Disgusting pest, or helpful creature?

Research scientists are looking for possible human applications of cockroach antibiotics. These natural germ killers can help the body fight staph infections, including MRSA, which is resistant to traditional antibiotics.

Name

Safari may block some audio or video from playing automatically and ‘read to me’ will skip these. You can configure this in Safari’s preferences.