Even the thought of a cockroach can make your hairs stand on edge. This crawling giant bacteria magnet is a synonym for dirt and filth that is a super-spreader of several diseases. While we all are aware of the health risks associated with cockroaches, some facts are still alien to us. Here are 7 facts about cockroaches that were unknown to us.
- They’re older than Dinosaurs:Be sure of the fact that even the first human on earth had the same feelings about cockroaches because their existence is longer than dinosaurs. Moreover, according to a study, cockroaches have been around since primitive ages, as early as 359 million years ago! We wonder how did they manage to survive.
- Cockroaches everywhere: Astonishingly, except for Antarctica, over 4500 species of cockroaches are found worldwide with new species still being discovered. Don’t panic! Only 30 of them are considered pests. Interestingly, there is a species of cockroaches that can even survive in the desert. They do so by using their mouth structures to absorb water vapor in the absence of water. The largest species of cockroaches are found in South America.
- They hold Guinness Book of World Records: Yes! You heard that right: The longest cockroach in the world is the Megaloblatta longipennis. They are found in Central and South America and can grow up to 3.8 inches long and have an 8-inch wingspan. The world’s heaviest cockroach is Australia’s giant burrowing cockroach that weighs over an ounce, almost the weight of a CD. It is also the longest-lived as it can live for up to ten years.
- Winners of Breath-Holding Challenge: Well! There was no competition here. But, had there been a competition of holding your breath, cockroaches are the ultimate winners. They have mastered the art of holding their breath. As believed, cockroaches can hold their breath for over 40 minutes. Can you beat that?
- Headless Cockroaches:Cockroaches are the most likely survivors of a nuke war. They are known to live without their heads for a week. Unbelievable, but true. They do not depend on the head or mouth to breathe because they use little holes in their body segments to breathe. They die when they lose their mouth as they can’t drink water and die of thirst.
- Nuke Survivors: We are not just bluffing around. In two major events, the first one is when the US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the second is when the worst nuclear accident happened in Chernobyl. While it is not yet clear how cockroaches survived a nuke attack, scientists believe that their slower cell cycles may be the reason.
- Beer Lovers:Cockroaches have shown their love for beer. The primary reason behind this is their attraction towards the hops and sugar present in the drink.
Final Words
The fact that cockroaches can survive extreme conditions, and even live through a nuke attack poses a serious threat when it comes to eradicating cockroach infestation. After learning the facts about cockroaches, it is obvious that no DIY-friendly solutions can scare cockroaches away from your home. The best way to avoid the situation is to prevent their entry. If things get out of control, it is always wise to seek the help of professional pest management services to remove cockroaches from the source.
And, that’s a wrap!
