10 Fascinating Cockroach Facts

Most homeowners are aware of the health and safety risks associated with cockroach infestations, including the allergies and asthma triggered by cockroach allergens, and the germs and bacteria they have been known to spread. What may not be as widely known is the fact that cockroaches are a very interesting and resilient pest that exhibits some very odd behavior and survival tactics. For example, cockroaches spend 75% of their time resting and can withstand temperatures as cold as 32 degrees Fahrenheit!

Here are ten of the most fascinating cockroach facts:

1.) A Cockroach Can Live for Week Without Its Head

Due to their open circulatory system, and the fact that they breathe through little holes in each of their body segments, they are not dependent on the mouth or head to breathe. The roach only dies because without a mouth, it can't drink water and dies of thirst.

2.) A Cockroach Can Hold Its Breath for 40 Minutes

These pests can even survive being submerged under water for half an hour. They hold their breath often to help regulate their loss of water.

3.) They Can Run Up to Three Miles in an Hour

While this may seem like an impressive athletic ability, what it really means is that they can spread germs and bacteria throughout a home very quickly.

4.) Newborn German Cockroaches Become Adults in as Little as 36 Days

In fact, the German cockroach is the most common of the cockroaches and has been implicated in outbreaks of illness and allergic reactions in many people.

5.) A One-Day-Old Baby Cockroach Can Run Almost as Fast as Its Parents

For reference, these babies are about the size of a speck of dust! So, not only are they fast, but they are also elusive, which is a dangerous combination for a pest known to transmit various diseases.

6.) The American Cockroach Has Shown an Attraction to Alcohol

Similar to other pests, this cockroach species is drawn to some alcoholic beverages, especially beer. They are most likely attracted by the hops and sugar present in the drink.

7.) The World's Largest Roach is Six Inches Long

Only found in South America, this species also has a one-foot wingspan. For context, average cockroaches can vary in size from ½"- 2" long.

8.) Cockroaches are Really Old

It is believed that cockroaches originated more than 280 million years ago in the Carboniferous era.

9.) There are More Than 4,000 Different Cockroach Species Worldwide

The most common species is the German cockroach. Other cockroaches found in America include the brown-banded cockroach, American cockroach and oriental cockroach.

10.) Cockroaches Can Live Without Food for One Month

Cockroaches are able to go for so long without sustenance because they are cold-blooded insects. However, they can only survive for one week without water, which is why they are commonly found in humid or high-moisture areas around the home, such as basements and bathrooms.

These facts prove that cockroaches are some of the most adaptable creatures on earth, which makes controlling and eliminating a cockroach infestation all the more difficult. To get rid of cockroaches in your home, experts suggest keeping food sealed and stored properly, particularly in the kitchen, which should be cleaned daily to prevent crumbs and trash from building up. Garbage should be disposed of regularly and stored in sealed containers. Homeowners should seek out and seal all cracks and holes in homes, including entry points for utilities and pipes, as these can serve as entranceways for the pest. In addition, basements and crawl spaces should be kept well ventilated and dry.

Cockroach control and management are important for health and safety reasons. If you suspect a cockroach infestation, use our zip code locator to find a licensed pest control professional in your area.

Watch this Cockroaches 101 video for more facts and information on different types of cockroaches. Learn and how to keep these creepy crawlers out of your house.