Cockroaches are one of the oldest insects on Earth, with a history going back more than 300 million years. They’ve earned a reputation for being tough and adaptable, capable of thriving in nearly any environment. These hardy insects have survived global catastrophes and have managed to make homes in virtually every continent. Roaches also have adapted well when transported from their native lands to new regions.
There are over 4,000 known species worldwide, including common species in the US like the Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis), American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana), and German cockroaches (Blattella germanica). They are often found in dark, damp areas. These insects can contaminate homes and leave behind cockroach allergens, which may cause issues for those with asthma or sensitivities.
At Western Exterminator, we are cockroach experts. That’s why we’ve put together these cockroach facts to help you understand how they behave, where they live, and what attracts them.
Let’s examine some of the common characteristics and interesting facts about these pests to better understand how and why they invade our homes and businesses.
Each species of cockroach has their own estimated lifespan, but on average, cockroaches live for about one year. Factors such as food supply, habitat, and climate affect lifespan. American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) can live for about one year, while German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) are estimated to live for about 100 days.
Cockroaches are everywhere - an indication of their remarkable ability to adapt to all climates. Some estimates say that there are up to 70 species in the United States.Roaches love to be in dark, warm areas. That's why your home or building is so attractive to them. They want to be warm, have lots of places to hide, and be close to food and water. Cockroaches prefer the night, which is why you usually see them when you turn on the light in the middle of the night. They prefer the darkness for finding food and mating purposes. Cockroach bodies have adapted to squeezing into tiny crevices and cracks, which means that even the smallest hole can allow a cockroach entry to your building or property.
All cockroaches go through three stages of development: cockroach egg, nymph, and adult. Eggs are hatched in casings called oothecae, where they develop and are protected from their environment. Once they hatch, they become nymphs. As nymphs, they grow in stages called molts until they become adults. Some species develop wings while others don’t.
Cockroaches reproduce fast - when you see one, you will want to call in a professional as soon as possible. If you are seeing cockroaches out in the open, then there are probably a lot more infesting your property, hidden from sight. Some female cockroaches will only mate once, but then spend the rest of their lives pregnant.
Cockroaches often crawl through garbage, sewers, and other dirty areas, picking up germs as they go. When they enter your home, they can spread bacteria and potentially cause illness by contaminating surfaces and food.
For nearly 50 years now, experts have stipulated that cockroaches are a cause of asthma and allergies. The concern comes from their droppings, the skins that they shed, and from the saliva they use to digest food. Cockroach skins and saliva release airborne particles that people can have an allergic reaction to (especially those who have asthma).¹
The word "cockroach" comes from the Spanish "cucaracha." It was anglicized over time into the term we use today. Cockroaches belong to the order Blattodea, which includes both cockroaches and termites.
Cockroaches are fascinating insects. Although they can be an unsettling sight, and one you might need professional pest control for, they’ve developed some remarkable behaviors that allow them to thrive.
A cockroach is omnivorous. That means they will eat almost anything, but they have a preference for sweets, meat, and starches. However, you can also find them eating leather or books on the shelf. If an infestation has gotten so bad that their food supply is low, cockroaches have even been known to bite humans.
Some cockroaches can live for up to a month without food and for two weeks without water. They do this in part by controlling water loss through tiny openings on their body called spiracles. There have even been cases where a cockroach without a head lived for a week.
The short answer is yes, sometimes cockroaches do bite people, though this is rare and usually only if food sources are scarce. While they do bite, there's more to it than that.
A cockroach's mouth is one of the most primitive in the animal kingdom and contains four parts. These parts sit beneath the cockroach’s thorax, the middle body segment that also supports its legs and wings:
Cockroaches have been on Earth since the Carboniferous period, over 300 million years ago. That means they existed long before dinosaurs, making them one of the oldest known pest species.
Cockroaches spend most of their time hiding, searching for food sources, and reproducing. They help break down decaying organic matter, but in homes, they can spread cockroach allergens and bacteria.
Cockroaches reproduce quickly. A single egg case can hold dozens of baby cockroaches, or nymphs. Some species, like German cockroaches, can produce thousands of offspring in a year.
Growth speed depends on species and environment. Nymphs go through several molts before becoming adults. For example, brown-banded cockroaches (Supella longipalpa) and American cockroaches develop from a baby cockroach to an adult in a few months under ideal conditions.
Cockroaches are drawn to places where they can find food sources, water, and shelter. Leftover crumbs, unsealed food, and leaky pipes all provide what they need to survive. Warmth and access to small gaps or cracks, especially near kitchens and bathrooms, can invite them indoors.
Poor sanitation, clutter, and humid conditions increase the chances of an infestation. Once inside, cockroaches can easily hide in tight, hard-to-reach spaces, making them difficult to detect and remove.
If you think you have a cockroach problem in your home or building, then it's important to act quickly and seek professional cockroach control - call us at 800-937-8398 or use our online contact form. Our technicians can help to identify how these pests are getting into your home, and put a customized plan in place to help get rid of them.
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