Cockroaches: Separating Fact From Fiction

November 8, 2020

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A lot can be said about cockroaches. They’ve been around since the dawn of time and they are interesting creatures. But there are some pretty silly things that people think about cockroaches. Let’s take a look at some questions people ask about cockroaches and see if we can separate fact from fiction.

Are Roaches The Only Creatures That Will Survive A Nuclear War?

Okay. Let’s be honest. Ever since we were kids, we’ve all wanted to know the answer to this one. There is something about this question that sparks the curious kid in all of us. The answer is no. There are many creatures that will survive a global thermonuclear war. Wasps, ants, scorpions, some types of fish, and many other organisms that can live high levels of radiation. Don’t worry. Those cockroaches won’t be all alone. They’ll have plenty of company.   

Are Come Cockroaches Resistant To Pesticides?

No, not all of them. But some cockroaches can develop a resistance to pesticides that they have been exposed to but not exterminated by. This is why you may find a cockroach that you’ve unloaded an entire bottle of spray on and it’s still moving.

Can A Roach Really Live For A Week Without Its Head?

Yes. A cockroach can live more than a week without its head. The exact amount of time depends on several factors, including the temperature of the roach. They are able to do this amazing feat because cockroaches don’t breathe out of their heads. They breathe from openings in their bodies. When they finally die from not having a head, it isn’t from suffocation. They actually die of thirst.

Are Cockroaches Really Dirty Insects?

Some people say that cockroaches can be clean and even “tasty” insects. That’s right, “tasty.” In some cultures, it is okay to dine on cockroaches. Next time you’re in China, be sure to give them a try. But we wouldn’t recommend eating the cockroaches you find living in your home. Wild cockroaches are drawn to the most vile locations. For this reason, they are linked to 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms, and more than 7 kinds of human pathogens. We would highly recommend that you try another critter to satiate your need to eat insects.

Do Cockroaches Really Drink Our Saliva While We Sleep?

Cockroaches are moisture pests that require moisture to live. For this reason, they have been known to take a drink of saliva from the mouths of sleeping people. They are particularly attracted to babies drool. This can lead to accidental bites.

Is It Impossible To Drown A Cockroach?

If you’ve ever tried to drown a cockroach you may be tempted to believe this one, but it isn’t true. While cockroaches are extremely difficult, or impossible, to drown in a toilet, they can be drown. They must be entirely submerged for at least 40 minutes to ensure suffocation. In a toilet, there are too many ways for a cockroach to get a breath in the amount of time it takes to suffocate them.

Can Cockroaches Really Run 3 Miles Per Hour?

Yes. And, while that may not seem fast, consider that these insects are only about an inch to an inch and a half long. Also consider that a baby cockroach, which is a little larger than a speck, can run at the same speed, and you realize just how disturbing this fact really is.

Do Cockroaches Fly?

While all roaches have wings, only some are able to fly. The roaches that do fly, don’t fly very far, or very often. It takes a moist, hot day to get cockroaches to take flight. When they do, it is usually from an elevated position. They aren’t strong fliers.

The Most Important Fact Of All

Cockroaches aren’t just nuisance pests. They can spread diseases, harmful bacteria, parasitic worms, and allergens in a home or business. They are resourceful pests that can compact their bodies and squeeze through tight gaps, climb walls, walk across ceilings, and sometimes fly, which makes them extremely difficult to exclude. But ongoing pest service from Nozzle Nolen can keep you roach-free.

For more information about cockroaches, or to establish service for your South Florida home, contact Nozzle Nolen today.