Most home or business owners view cockroaches as rather disgusting insects. A cockroach invasion is often met with a sense of horror. In Texas, the two most common species are the American and the German cockroaches. They are highly social and often live in multigenerational communities. As you may know, it’s rare to see just one cockroach.
Having cockroaches in your home is not pleasant. A cockroach-free home is the best fact about cockroaches that you may want to know. That said, here are five unknown and interesting facts about them.
1. They Are Really Fast
This may not come as a surprise, but did you know they were Olympian-fast for insects? With the ability to run close to three miles per hour, cockroaches can elude you at amazing speeds. Even newborn cockroaches can run almost as fast as an adult.
2. They Can Hold Their Breath
Cockroaches hold their breath to regulate water loss in their bodies. Surprisingly, a cockroach is able to hold its breath for up to 40 minutes. They can also survive underwater for 30 minutes.
3. They Like Beer
Some cockroaches enjoy a good beer. It’s not really the alcohol that attracts them, but the mix of sugar, grains and yeast can be irresistible. The American cockroach is more prone to drinking.
4. They Lived Before Dinosaurs
The original cockroaches date back over 300 million years ago to the late Paleozoic Era. No doubt — these little pre-historic creatures are true survivors.
5. They Can Survive Without Their Heads
Cockroaches breathe through tiny holes along the side of their bodies. Amazingly, a cockroach can survive about a week without its head. The inability to drink water, however, will eventually cause it to die.
If you’ve dealt with cockroaches before, you know how resilient they are. Once in your home, they usually hide in kitchens near their source of food and water. Although cockroaches prefer sweets and foods that are high in starch, they will eat almost anything. This includes soap, grease and glue. Getting rid of cockroaches on your own can seem like an impossible task.
At Hart Pest Control, we offer the latest in pest control technology and services. Do you have a problem with cockroaches or other insects? Our professional pest management options may be the perfect solution. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Hart Pest Control today.