Cockroaches
Renowned for their resilience even in the face of nuclear war, cockroaches might just be the most disliked pests encountered by homeowners, restaurant proprietors, and property managers.
Recent research has unveiled some concerning facts:
Cockroaches can trigger allergies and asthma, particularly in children.
But that's not the worst part— they also harbor over 33 types of bacteria, including harmful ones like salmonella and E. coli.
The United States is home to 50 different cockroach species, marking them as one of the most varied pests in the country. However, only four species dominate every corner of the nation:
German cockroaches: They hold the title of the most common cockroach nationwide; even rabbits would be envious of their ubiquity. These roaches reproduce at an astonishing rate, with up to six generations coexisting within the same wall void. Their stealthiness is equally remarkable— they can slip through openings as small as ⅜ of an inch.
American cockroaches: Early settlers in the United States, these roaches hitched a ride on ships. Despite their name, they originated from Africa (perhaps managing to bypass Ellis Island’s immigration checks). In terms of size, they are the largest species in the country.
Brownbanded cockroaches: Often referred to as “flying cockroaches” (a truly hair-raising combination of words), they’re identified by two distinctive light-brown bands across their dark brown bodies. While males have fully developed wings, females have underdeveloped wings and are flightless. On average, they live for about 208 days.
Oriental cockroaches: Oddly named given their true origin, the Oriental cockroach did not come from Asia; they hail from northern Africa. These roaches tend to tarnish the reputation of other species due to their offensive odor, which unfairly gets generalized to all cockroaches.
