Derwent Traders

Information about Cockroaches

• There are about 4 species of cockroach that are well known as pests
• Cockroaches adapt readily to a variety of environments and prefer warm conditions found within our buildings.
• Cockroaches are mainly nocturnal and use just two pieces of information to decide where to go: 1. how dark it is and 2. how many of their friends are there
• Cockroaches live up to a year. One female can produce 300-400 offspring. In some Cockroaches a female only needs to be impregnated once to lay eggs for the rest of her life.
• Cockroaches are the hardiest insects on the planet. Some are capable of surviving for a month without food. Some can go without air for 45 minutes.
• Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests. Feeding on human and pet food, and can leave an offensive odour. They can also carry microbes on their body surfaces including those that are dangerous to humans. Cockroach infestations have been linked with allergic reactions in humans. These allergens have been linked with asthma.
• A cockroach can survive complete decapitation for up to several weeks before dying of starvation or dehydration.
• Most Cockroach species are about the size of a thumbnail, but several species are bigger. The world's largest cockroach is the Australian giant burrowing cockroach, which can reach 9 cm in length and weigh more than 30 grams
• Cockroaches leave chemical trails in their faeces as well as emitting airborne pheromones for swarming and mating. Other cockroaches will follow these trails to discover sources of food and water, and also discover where other cockroaches are hiding.