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Cockroaches. We humans consider them the "rats of the insect world," yet cockroaches could be considered one of the most successful creatures on earth. Entomologists have found fossilized cockroaches that are more than 300 million years old. Amazingly enough, these fossilized cockroaches look very similar to the ones scurrying around in our yards and homes today. There are over 4,000 species of cockroaches. As one of nature's recyclers, they are often found eating natural forest debris. A few find their way into our kitchens, basements, and bathrooms, coming up through the drains, sneaking in through cracks, or carried in on grocery bags. These cockroaches are usually looking for warm, moist, dark places to call home. Cockroaches, by design, are survivors. They are nocturnal, making them hard to spot. If they are discovered, their flat bodies make it easy for them to escape into small crevices. Their antennae and cerci help them detect changes in vibrations and air pressure, making it difficult to even step on them. Cockroaches are omnivorous. They eat anything from dog food to plaster. Internal bacteria help cockroaches digest these unusual meals. If necessary, cockroaches can live for three months without food and one month without water. Although cockroaches preen regularly, they are still suspected of transmitting diseases such as salmonella, dysentery, and typhus. They are also suspected of causing allergic reactions in half of the 17 million people afflicted with asthma. Have cockroaches appeared in your home? Implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. First, start by making the site less attractive to cockroaches by storing food in tight containers and maintaining high sanitary standards. Then, if you must use pesticides, read the warning labels carefully. Traps and boric acid can be used instead of highly-toxic sprays. Although an IPM is a safer approach for the environment, following it probably won't enable you to get rid of cockroaches completely. Remember, cockroaches have been around for 300 million years. They are sure to be around for a long time to come.
