How Many Cockroaches Exist in the World?
It is estimated that the cockroach population is about 10 billion to 50 billion. They are present in residential places, offices, companies and many other places. They are one of the many pests that exist in the world because they are capable of surviving under different weather conditions.
However, it must be noted that there exist about 4,600 species of cockroaches globally. But they are not just pests they harm our health.
45 percent of the households that are in large urban areas confirm that they come across cockroaches within one year. These pests carry diseases that make foods and water to be contaminated with pathogens.
Businesses face issues. One cockroach sighting could result in health code violation, poor reputation and client draw back hence reduced sales.
If you want to learn more about how you can prevent them to ensure that a clean and safe environment is kept, continue reading this article.
Species and characteristics of cockroaches
Cockroaches are one of the most flexible insects with more than 4,500 species worldwide. Here are some of the common types:
- German Cockroach – This is a small brown cockroach that is mostly found in kitchens or bathroom areas; it reproduces very frequently.
- American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) – Larger house roach that is red-brown color, which is adapted well in warm and moist areas.
- Oriental Cockroach- A very bright speckled species of cockroach having black color which thrive mostly in damp places like basements and in sewers.
- Madagascar Hissing Cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) – Large cockroach that does not have wings and produces a hissing sound.
- Asian Cockroach (Blattella asahinai) – Slightly different in appearance from the German cockroach and preferred the outdoors but can be attracted to artificial light source.
- Florida Woods Cockroach (Palmetto Bug, Eurycotis floridana) – A large, dark species generally residing in the southeastern part of the U. S. , known by the slang term palmetto bug.
- Supella longipalpa also known as the Brown-banded Cockroach–Small and tan in color that has light brown bands across its wings, which is usually found in warmer climate zones inside buildings.
- Smokybrown Cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa) – A dark colored nearly black cockroach which prefers warm and humid habitats and often found entering homes from the garden.
- Australian cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae) – These almost resemble the American cockroach but has yellow marking on its thoracic section and it is mostly found in green houses.
- Surinam Cockroach (Pycnoscelus surinamensis) – They are burrowing species that prefer to live in damp soil.
- Macropanesthia Rhinoceros – This is a large species of cockroach that mostly prefers to live in burrow holes on the ground and this type of cockroach might live up to 10 years in existence and is a native to Australia.
Why do Cockroaches Find Homes To Be A Suitable Place to Live?
The following are some of the reasons as to why cockroaches are able to endure in human environment:
Abundant Food Sources
Our homes and businesses provide them with everything they need such as food, water and shelter. They’re not picky eaters.
- Other foods that the cockroach can take includes, crumbs, cardboards and glue among others.
- Low-income apartments may have restricted ways of disposing of waste products. This attracts more cockroaches.
- Cockroaches are found in households that are located inside cities and towns as revealed by the survey results which indicate that up to 38% of the households are always likely to encounter the pests on a regular basis.
Warmth and Moisture Attract Cockroaches
Cockroaches are warm and humid-loving insects. Most homes and companies provide just that.
- Kitchens, bathrooms and basements are the most favorable environments.
- The german cockroaches (Blattella germanica) are found in cracks and crevices as well as appliances.
- The Periplaneta americana or American cockroach cockroaches mostly infest areas with warmth such as drains and basements.
These are some of the conditions that facilitate growth of these pests, especially the roaches as they reproduce very fast. The German cockroach can lay eggs which are 40 in number therefore has the potential of a rapid global spread.
How Cockroaches Adapt
These creatures are so flexible that they can survive in any condition that they can possibly come across. They are found in every part of the world, from the hot rain forests, to city apartments. Moreover, their flexibility promotes them to adapt even in the case of their feeding habits as well.
They can survive on:
- Carbohydrates particularly starches and sugars which are the preferred diets.
- Any kind of organic material when food is scarce
In addition to that, Cockroaches have the ability to build up a resistance to many of the pesticides used in control hence making it very difficult to deal with the pests. Due to their adaptability, they are described as “resilient insects. ”
Global Spread Through Human Activity
Cockroaches are one of those insects that have benefited from human influences in their distribution all over the world. They hitch rides on goods and vehicles that people transport through global travel and shipping.
For example…
It is thought that the Oriental cockroach has come to different areas through the movement of goods and services. Therefore human activities have led to the expansion of the habitats of these cockroaches in areas that are far from their original natural habitats.
It’s a global problem that has affected the poor and rich.
How Cockroaches Affect Your Health And The Environment
Cockroaches are known to spread sickness through food and surfaces hence the sickness related with foods and allergic reactions.
Patients having asthma shouldn’t get in contact with cockroaches because it can cause difficulty in breathing, especially in children.
Health Problems Associated with Cockroach Infestations
Source: Ultimate Search
Several health risks can occur due to cockroach infestations. They can carry 33 different types of pathogens, including bacteria that cause serious illnesses such as:
- Salmonella: It can cause food poisoning and typhoid fever.
- coli: Cause stomach infections.
- Dysentery: Cause diarrhea
- Cholera: Cause diarrhea and dehydration
- Typhoid Fever: A disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi.
- Leprosy and Plague
How Cockroaches Spread Diseases?
Cockroaches live in unhygienic places such as drainages and sewerage areas as well as dumperies. Their germs are contagious. These germs on cockroaches may take several hours to die on surfaces and dirt on floors, walls and other areas of home or working places.
Cockroaches and Their Impact on Environment
Cockroaches belong to the waste decomposition process, but at the same time, they can break down organic matter. In other words, the cockroaches themselves play the role of decomposers providing effectual contribution to the breakdown of organic matter and nutrient cycling in the environment.
This role is very vital in the nitrogen recycle because they assist in degradation of plant and animal wastes. In reference to these insects, the organisms would really have a hard time trying to get their required nutrients.
However, in the human environment they spread waste and create additional problems in terms of poor living conditions.
What Country Has No Cockroaches
The safe answer is there is practically no country that is roach-free except for Antarctica due to its extremely cold climate. Cockroaches can’t survive in such harsh weather; rather, they can survive where the human population resides.
However, Cockroaches are found in Colder countries like Canada, especially in areas where humans live. Some countries have fewer roaches than others due to climate factors, it’s difficult to completely eliminate them.
Most Infested Cities in United States
Source – statista.com
According to an American survey, there are 15 cities in the United state that are severely affected by cockroach-infestation. Although cockroaches are a global issue, many cities that are near water and have hot and humid weather favor roaches to live in.
Houston and Tampa are two of the top cities that have shown signs of these critters. Since both of the towns are known for its heat and humidity, roaches easily thrive. Safe Pest , one of the pest control companies in the US, advises to keep your home clean, seal entry points and fix any leaking pipes to prevent infestation.
Strategies On How to Deal with Cockroaches at Home and at Business Places
Source: Adobe Stock
Cockroaches are difficult to eliminate when they infect your homes but using the right methods, you can get rid of them. Try these techniques:
1.Ensure that your area is clean
Wipe counters, kitchen floors, surfaces that are used in preparing food, and dining areas to get rid of the food leftovers.
- Do not leave food residues in cookware and utensils. Let them stay in the sink all night.
- Do not expose any food to roach infestation by storing all foods in sealed containers to avoid contact from roaches.
It is important to dispose of garbage on a daily basis especially when this is filled with food waste to ensure you do not attract these pests.
2. Seal the Hiding Places
- Cockroaches like most other insects can easily infiltrate homes through the smallest of cracks. Search your house for the possibility of the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) that include cracks on walls, spaces in the windows/doors, and areas around pipes.
- To cover up such openings, apply caulk or weatherstripping.
3. Fix Leaks To Reduce Humidity
Cockroaches live on water.
- Fix faulty pipes and faucets
- Use a dehumidifier for air circulation
- Install exhausts in your bathrooms
4. Remove Hiding spots
Cockroaches love clutter. Rats prefer living and nesting in secluded and confined areas such as cardboard cases, heaps of newspapers, unused articles.
- Eliminate these areas to prevent the birth of cockroaches
- Use plastic storage containers that have tight lids instead of cardboard storage boxes.
5. Use Natural Repellents
There are natural remedies that can kill cockroaches. Natural products such as peppermint, Lavender and eucalyptus oils are well known to repel cockroaches.
These oils are used with water and are best sprayed at corners of walls where the baseboards are, doors and any other place which the cockroaches may find their way into.
Diatomaceous earth; a fine powder,is also effective for spraying on crevices and walls especially for cockroaches as it dehydrates them.
6. Set Up Traps and Baits.
Use roach traps and baits that can easily kill cockroaches.
- Traps should be placed at places where these cockroaches are usually found, for example; under sinks, behind the appliances and around cabinets.
- Apply gel baits in crevices and dark corners that harbor cockroaches and apply in small quantities.
7. Contact a professional pest control company
If the situation with the infestation is serious, let a professional pest control company take care of the problem. The Safepest experts also can distinguish a specific kind of cockroach that has infested your house, and it is possible to apply specific eradication measures.
Whether it’s german cockroaches, american cockroaches or oriental cockroaches, the experts know how to eliminate and offer advice on how to avoid infestation in the future.
FAQs
Which country has the least number of cockroaches?
Cockroaches are least found in Antarctica because the climate in this part of the world is so hostile to the needs of the insect.
What are the largest species of cockroaches known to ever exist on Earth?
Megaloblast is one of the largest species that is now extinct. This species was naturally found in tropical areas of Central and South America with occurrence in countries such as Peru, Ecuador and Panama.
Are cockroaches capable of damaging any electronic equipment or devices around the house?
Yes, cockroaches can be destructive because they can make their nest inside products and chew on the copper of wires, leading to short circuits.
Are DIY Pest Control Methods Effective In Killing Cockroaches?
Some simple control techniques can control small numbers of pests effectively but they are not meant for large numbers. This is because professional treatments are mostly efficient to carry out.
Which Industries Are Vulnerable to Infestation By Cockroaches?
Low contact surfaces such as handles, refrigerators, and door knobs get contaminated due to foods and water availability frequently in restaurants, food processing plants and low income apartments.
How well can cockroaches tolerate cold temperatures such as Freezers?
Freezers kill cockroaches but the insects learn how to endure cold conditions by mainly entering warmer areas.
How often should you get Pest control treatment?
Pest control treatments should be conducted in commercial properties on a monthly or bi- monthly basis.
Stop the Insects in Your Home Today!
Cockroaches are not just nuisances but the source of deadly diseases. Hospitality Germans cockroaches (Blattella germanica) and American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) can contaminate food and transmit diseases.
To avoid infestations, clean, block access ways, dispose properly, and try natural control such as the use of repellents. But if you find that you still have cockroach problems it’s best to get professional help. Safepest will offer you a solution to this. Our residential pest control as well as commercial pest control has something important to offer to your home and business; cockroach-free, safe, and healthy environment.
There’s a problem, or you need an inspection? Contact Safepest now!