Debugging 4 Common Myths Regarding Cockroaches

As a homeowner, you probably understand the challenges of maintaining your home. From cleaning and organizing to landscaping and repairs, these tasks can be time-consuming and stressful at times. Unfortunately, most people do not place enough of their time into preventing pests. While some are unavoidable, some insects and rodents can be prevented. Considering the cockroach is one of the most common and despised bug that can enter your home, proper understanding of this creature is smart for prevention. With this guide, you will learn the truth behind a few common myths associated with cockroaches.

They Fear Light

One of the most common misconceptions regarding cockroaches is that they fear light. Although they are nocturnal, cockroaches do not run from or fear light. However, they are able to hunt for food with ease at night, making them more active.

You may panic if you see one or more roaches at night in your home. Seeing one or more roaches in your home during the day is even more frightening. If you are seeing cockroaches during the daytime hours, they are most likely being forced out of their crowded nests. This is a common sign of an infestation.

It is important to note that some species of cockroaches are actually attracted to light. Asian cockroaches prefer the bright outdoors, but they find light bulbs and windows very appealing, as well.

They Infest Dirty Homes Only

Another common myth about cockroaches is that they are only found in dirty homes. If you see a cockroach, you may think your home is full of dirt, food, debris, and foul odors, but that is not always the case.

Even the cleanest homes will have crumbs and light debris on countertops, in pantries, and around garbage cans at times. A cockroach will scavenge around these areas in an attempt to find food.

Of course, cockroaches are able to find food easily in dirty homes, but it is important to remember that can infest both clean and dirty homes.

They Can Survive a Nuclear Bomb

You most likely have heard that cockroaches can survive a nuclear explosion. This myth began in 1945 when the United States dropped bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Reports stated the only living creatures left standing were cockroaches.

Because the thought of these pests surviving is frightening, you will be happy to know that this is just another myth.

Studies were conducted to debunk this myth. Final results of these studies did prove that cockroaches were able to withstand extreme radiation because of their slower reproduction of cycles. However, a powerful nuclear explosion with extreme amounts of radiation will kill everyone and every cockroach.

Cockroaches Do Not Bite

Many people have been told that cockroaches are more scared of you than you are to them. This is a true fact, since you would be considered one of their predators, but cockroaches are omnivores and will bite you if you try to make contact.

cockroaches will feed on anything edible, which includes food crumbs in your home and dead or immobile things, such as insects (dead or alive) and plants. Unfortunately, they may also bite you in an attempt to eat or protect themselves.

A bite from one of these insects will be minor, so you may not even feel it. If a larger species, such as an American cockroach, bites you, you may feel slight discomfort.

If you see one or more cockroaches, avoid picking it up or playing with it, since this will cause it to feel threatened. Contact your local pest control team to eradicate the problem for you.

Cockroaches are one of the most unappealing pests that can infest your home, so learning  about them can help with prevention. By debugging these myths and trusting the professionals, you will have a better understanding of cockroaches and how to prevent them.


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