5 Fascinating Facts About Cockroaches
Cockroaches have been in existence for millions of years in their various forms with over 4000 species existing in 6 families today. Search through several pest control companies in your area to find the best solution as they are found in many parts of the world except in Polar Regions because they cannot withstand the extreme cold. Species that infest houses include the 1.2 inches long Americana Cockroach and German cockroach which is a bit shorter at 0.6 inches long. According to the American Agricultural Service (ARS) the German cockroach is the most pesticide resistant of all species found in the United States. Additionally the organization has also established that at least 78 percent of American urban homes are infested with these insects.Search through several
Fact Number One
According to researchers roaches are incredibly resistant to insecticides and together with scorpions are the only organisms known to have the ability to survive in atomic radioactive environment. In a 2007 research conducted by Japanese scientists researchers found out that roaches have memory that enables them to form Pavlovian reflexes which are necessary for learning. The cockroaches were taught how to salivate in reaction to neutral stimuli; the same way that Pavlov conditioned dogs centuries ago. The ability to form conditioned reflexes can only be achieved in a memory that has the ability to learn through intelligence which has only been noted in apes humans dogs and other mammals.
Fact Number Two
It is ridiculously difficult to catch a cockroach. This is because they have flanks with small hairs that help them detect the slightest air movement whenever an animal moves in their direction. Their swift nervous system makes their reflex reactions lightening fast (measured in hundredths of seconds). Studies have shown that the American Cockroach can hit a speed of almost two miles per hour. Apart from this incredible speed roaches also have excellent communication abilities which make use of their antennae eyes and the legs.
Fact Number Three
Cockroaches have allergens that have been proved to trigger asthma. A study conducted by scientists at Columbia University in New York and published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that children living in neighborhoods that have high asthma rates had the likelihood of carrying antibodies against cockroach protein in the blood. This is a clear indication that kids exposed to these insects are highly likely to be allergic to them. According to Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) 23 too 60 percent of urban residents who are asthmatics are sensitive to roach allergens. Roaches also have pathogens that are easily transferrable to humans and can cause pneumonia typhoid hepatitis fever and several other diseases.
Fact Number Four
Research has shown that roaches break wind at an average of 15 minutes. Even after they die they are still able to continue releasing methane to a maximum of 18 hours. Statistics estimate that insect flatulence contributes up to 20 percent of methane emissions. This factor has classified the cockroach as one of the major contributors to global warming.
Fact Number Five
The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach has been known as the only insect to make sound through its passageways. Other insects basically produce sound by rubbing together some of their body parts. Hissing cockroaches have the ability to produce two distinct sounds; one when males’ face off and the other when they are disturbed.
Tags: cackroach, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, American Agricultural Service, high asthma, the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Columbia University in New York