Have you ever heard that cockroaches can survive apocalyptic disasters? Or that they can’t die? These well-known tales are passed along through the years, usually exaggerated with each telling, and any sources of truth often gets lost along the way. But there is usually some element of truth behind a myth.
Let’s take a look at some cockroach facts and myths—some of them may surprise you!
Myth: Cockroaches Are Only Found in Dirty Environments
The myth that cockroaches are attracted to uncleanliness can sometimes bring about a sense of embarrassment to those who have experienced issues with them. But the truth is, cockroaches don’t discriminate based on the cleanliness (or uncleanliness!) of your home, and so simply keeping it clean is not enough to keep them out.
Cockroaches are attracted to warmth and moisture, which is why even the cleanest homes or businesses in Florida can be easy targets. They don’t build structured nests, instead preferring to huddle in dark hiding places—so, areas that are particularly dark, warm, and cluttered may also provide suitable conditions for them to congregate. This could be behind an appliance, in a disused cupboard or storage area, or in cracks in wall voids.
Fact: Cockroaches Spread Bacteria and Can Cause Illness
Because cockroaches trawl through all kinds of environments, they rapidly pick up, carry, and spread disease. Brown-banded, German, and American cockroaches are known to carry bacteria such as Salmonella and E. Coli, as well as other pathogens, and can also trigger allergies. They spread disease through contact with their legs, bodies, urine, and waste. Roaches also tend to breed quickly, which means a couple of them can quickly escalate into tens or hundreds, trawling across kitchen or bathroom surfaces and spreading bacteria.
Myth: Cockroaches Can Survive Nuclear Disasters
This common tale stems from the Hiroshima disaster, after cockroaches were reportedly seen emerging unscathed from the blast. While an episode of Discovery’s MythBusters has since debunked the myth and tested their tolerance to radiation, it’s one of those stories that continues to be told.
There is some element of truth to the story. For example, scientists did find that cockroaches can withstand up to 10,000 rad (radiation absorbed dose), more than ten times the lethal dose for humans.
Fact: Cockroaches Can Travel at Speeds of 3mph
Considering their size, cockroaches can move at an alarming pace, which is likely another contributing factor to the abject fear they instill in most humans. It’s thought that these speeds make them one of the fastest insects on earth today.
Myth: Cockroaches Cannot Be Killed
Cockroaches are incredibly resilient. As we’ve learned, they can survive harsh conditions like radiation and even crushing, and research has found that the German cockroach is becoming increasingly resistant to standard insecticides. Their preference for dark hiding places and ability to disappear through tiny gaps can also make them tricky to uncover or remove—but they aren’t invincible.
Fact: Cockroaches Can Survive Without a Head For Several Days
Although this one sounds like it should be a myth, cockroaches don’t rely on their heads or mouths to breathe, so they can actually live without a head for a short while. Cockroaches have small holes on their bodies called spiracles, which they use for breathing.
So, if they can live without a head, then what do cockroaches need to survive? Simply: food and water. But without a head and mouth, they can’t drink water, and cockroaches will likely die after a few days.
Fact: Cockroaches Can Breathe Underwater For 40 Minutes
While cockroaches are drawn to areas with lots of water, you might be relieved to know that cockroaches can’t technically swim. The bad news is that it doesn’t stop them from traveling across water somewhat successfully. If they manage to stay upright, they can float or wriggle their way across the water.
And if they are fully submerged, that might not be the end for them. Those breathing holes (spiracles) we mentioned earlier can actually be closed to stop water from entering. They can use this trick to survive for approximately 40 minutes in watery areas like pipes or drains and reach areas such as kitchens or bathrooms.
Make Cockroaches Our Problem, Not Yours
While they’re certainly not invincible, cockroaches are crafty and resilient, and a problem that no one wants near their property. If you’ve spotted cockroaches in or around your home and can’t find the source, you should consider a pest inspection by certified experts to identify their hiding spots. As we’ve learned, cockroaches like to gather in dark places, so it could be that you just haven’t found it yet.
We’ll create a tailored cockroach control plan that includes exclusionary and preventive measures, as well as effective treatment.
