Cockroaches have continuously evolved through their existence of 360 million years. These ancient species can survive extreme cold and heat conditions, resulting in a year-round problem to your homes and neighborhoods. They cause serious health issues by triggering risks of respiratory disease and allergies in humans.
Electronic pest control can be a mighty solution for this common household problem because of its ease of use. But, after so many DIY pest control methods and bombing these creatures with toxic chemicals, these pests keep popping up time and time again, especially the german roaches that are very difficult to kill. Find out why german roaches are the worst in this blog by Drake Lawn & Pest Control.
Reason for their survival
Chinese Academy of Sciences reveals cockroaches massive genome making them master of survival. This DNA study explains a number of key factors responsible for their expertise in survival:
1. Virgin Reproduction
Unimpregnated eggs laid by stressed female cockroaches hatch themselves known as parthenogenesis or Virgin reproduction. This process enables females to reproduce asexually, without any requirement of males.
2. Limbs regeneration
Genetic pathways have found roaches capability to overcome serious injuries including being capable of regenerating limbs in the nymph stages.
3. Advance chemoreception
They are way better at locating food than most of the insects on the planet. American cockroaches (common roaches) have 154 smell olfactory receptors and 544 taste gustatory receptors.
4. Incredible immunity
These pests can eat anything and everything from cheese, meat, bread, and also cardboard, book spines, human excreta, blood, and even each other. Their genes have natural detoxification enzymes that show incredible ability to kill fungi and microbes inside their body.
5. Stretchy membrane
Roaches have a rigid external layer- exoskeleton made of multiple layers connected to a stretchy membrane allowing them extra protection and the ability to pass through the tiniest of cracks.
Effects on human health
Public Pest Management Association states 63% of households in the US contain cockroach allergens. But urban settlements are worse in roach allergens ranging from 78% to 98%. As per the WHO report, they are suspected carriers of microorganisms causing:
- Plague
- Leprosy
- Diarrhea
- Cholera
- Typhoid
- Poliomyelitis
Preventive measures
The cockroach community rises mostly in unhygienic environments of kitchen and bathrooms. Regular cleaning the house and surrounding is a primary method to keep them away, however, simple preventive measures can help in the long run:
1. People can mitigate cockroach issues by barrier exclusion methods such as sealing small cracks and closing gaps in exterior walls, unused switches, and doors.
2. Using air-tight containers for storing food and not leaving any leftovers lying around the house or in your office drawers.
3. Using electronic sound repellers, which emit high-frequency sound waves that are too high for human ears but audible to rodents and roaches. Pest can’t adapt to these sounds making them leave your space.
4. Cockroaches are specialists at hiding. Hence, removing stacks of newspapers, magazines, unused stuff and disposing of your garbage regularly will keep them away from making home at such places.
Conclusion
Cockroaches are resilient filthy pests that could trigger your asthma and allergy becoming a severe health threat. Preventive measures can help keep them away but once they have entered your premises, you need to get rid of them soon.
A number of DIY methods on the internet can make them retreat initially but they can show up again. Some people find ultrasonic pest repellents more preferable to traditional methods because of their organic way of dealing with pests. However, you may call a professional to do a thorough inspection and do the treatment.
