What do cockroaches eat?

There are many facts known about cockroaches. These pests can be found in any part of the world, with the exception of some areas such as Antarctica and other cold places. Cockroaches are one of the most annoying insects that can take up residence in homes. Their appearance brings many problems to people, negatively affecting everyday life. The problems associated with cockroaches are not limited to food spoilage and household dirt - they also pose a risk to human health.

Cockroaches reproduce successfully and are able to survive in the most unfavorable conditions. These insects can appear in apartments, dining rooms, offices, schools, kindergartens, cafes, industrial plants, hospitals and other places. The red cockroach usually appears where there is access to food and organic waste.

What is a red cockroach?

Cockroach populations spread quickly as the larvae laid by females quickly develop into adults. In our country, the most common cockroaches are red cockroaches and furniture cockroaches, but most often we encounter Prussians. This type of cockroach can live in the kitchen of any apartment.

The size of a red cockroach can reach 1,6 cm. These insects have 3 pairs of legs and 2 whiskers, which help them navigate in space. Some species of cockroaches also have wings.

Female cockroaches are different from males. The body of females is wider and rounder, while males have an elongated body. These insects become most active at night, and at dawn they usually hide in shelters. Walking over surfaces, Prussians release pheromones - substances with an unpleasant odor reminiscent of mold.

In what places can you meet Prussians?

If cockroaches appear in a room, they are able to crawl throughout the space. Pests give particular preference to those rooms where heat and humidity are maintained, mainly the kitchen and bathroom.

Cockroaches are highly adaptable to various conditions, with the following factors playing an important role:

• Access to easy food: If cockroaches have difficulty obtaining food, they may move to other areas and their breeding ability will become limited without access to food.
• Availability of water: Water is necessary for the life of cockroaches.

• The ability to hide in a shelter in case of danger from humans: cockroaches can hide behind the refrigerator, in cracks, in ventilation and other secluded places.
• Favorable temperature: warm rooms are preferable, as cockroaches do not tolerate cold

Cockroaches often choose places where food is stored, such as kitchens in apartments, food production plants, warehouses, catering facilities, etc. However, they can also be found on bookshelves or in closets with old things.

What do cockroaches most often eat?

Cockroaches feed on a wide variety of foods, including produce and various food scraps, including stale waste. In addition, cockroaches will not refuse organic material such as hair, soap, particles of human skin, nails, etc.

Among the preferences of cockroaches, the following products stand out:

• Bakery products;
• Sweets of all kinds;
• Meat products;
• Cereals;
• Vegetables and fruits.

In addition to human food, cockroaches can consume paper, rotten wood, glue, clothing and moldy foods. In general, cockroaches are omnivorous insects.

How can a cockroach harm a person?

As mentioned earlier, cockroaches are the source of many problems for humans. The appearance of these insects is disgusting, and their presence in residential areas can lead to serious negative consequences:

• Spread of infections: Cockroaches on their paws carry not only dirt, but also bacteria, which increases the risk of human infection with various infections, such as pneumonia, meningitis, hepatitis, tuberculosis and others.
• Product spoilage: Cockroaches can damage food left uncovered, which can lead to health problems if it is consumed. This also entails material losses.

• Allergies: The presence of cockroaches can cause an allergic reaction, especially in people with high sensitivities, which can negatively impact health, especially in asthmatics.
• Fire: Cockroaches can get into electrical outlets, which can cause a short circuit and ultimately cause a fire.
• Health risks for pets: The presence of cockroaches in the home can also be dangerous for the health of pets.
• Psychological problems: Fighting cockroaches and unsuccessful attempts to eradicate them can cause stress, nervous breakdowns and insomnia, which reduces a person's overall vitality.

Thus, the presence of cockroaches can cause a wide range of negative effects on human health, hygiene and psychological well-being.

How to kill cockroaches

To prevent the appearance of cockroaches in residential areas, it is recommended to regularly remove garbage and maintain cleanliness. However, these measures do not guarantee complete protection against pest infestations.

There are several methods for controlling cockroaches, including:

1. Lures and traps: A variety of baits and traps that attract cockroaches and help control their numbers.
2. Special powders, crayons and gels: The use of chemicals, such as powders and gels, aimed at destroying cockroaches and their shelters.
3. Calling specialists from the sanitary service: Disinfectors can use safe products to kill cockroaches in your home. These measures are also aimed at preventing further spread of insects.
4. Self-processing: Possibility of carrying out treatment against harmful insects independently using various means.

Despite these methods, it is important to note that the effectiveness of cockroach control may depend on the specific situation, and in some cases professional intervention may be required.

How cockroaches get indoors

It will not be difficult for cockroaches to enter any apartment, and they can appear indoors in various ways:

1. From neighbors: If neighbors carry out pest control, cockroaches may migrate to your place.
2. Through the front door: Cockroaches can enter your home through the front door.
3. Through the ventilation system: Cockroaches can enter through vents.
4. With purchases from the store: If the store is not treated, cockroaches may enter your home with new purchases.
5. Through the sewer: Cockroaches can enter through drains.
6. Through personal belongings of friends: When friends visit you, your friends can carry cockroaches with them through their personal belongings.
7. From the hotel: If you have to spend the night in an infested hotel room, cockroaches can get to you.

In this regard, it is important to carry out preventive treatment to prevent the appearance of these insects.

Signs of cockroaches indoors

Even if you haven’t noticed a single cockroach in your home, this does not mean that you don’t have them.

The presence of these pests at a facility may be indicated by the following signs:

1. Unusual smell: The appearance of a strange smell reminiscent of rot.
2. Egg Detection: Finding strange brown seeds that are eggs laid by cockroaches.
3. Cockroach larvae: Detection of small cockroach larvae.
4. Excrement on the floor: The appearance of black or brown excrement on the floor.
5. Dark spots on furniture and wallpaper: The appearance of dark spots of unknown origin on furniture and wallpaper.
6. Shells dropped: Finding shells shed by hermit cockroaches.

Cockroaches often hide in secluded places where it is dark and people rarely appear. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully inspect the areas behind the refrigerator, cabinets, kitchen units, etc. in your apartment.

What to do to prevent the appearance of cockroaches

In order to protect your home from cockroaches, even if you don’t have them yet, it is recommended to take the following preventive measures:

1. Take out the trash from your apartment every day: Avoid accumulating debris for several days.
2. Store perishable foods in the refrigerator: Don't leave them unattended on the table for long periods of time.
3. Clean your stove and oven regularly: Leftover food and fat can attract cockroaches.
4. Seal cracks in walls promptly: This will help prevent pest access.
5. Make sure that the ventilation system grille fits properly: This can serve as additional protection against cockroaches.
6. Clean the premises regularly: Including hard-to-reach places.
7. Make sure your plumbing is in good working order: Fix leaky faucets to prevent high humidity, which attracts cockroaches.
8. Ventilate the room: Ensure good air circulation.
9. Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink: The cleaning environment may be attractive to cockroaches.

By following these simple tips, you can protect your home from possible pest infestations.

What cockroaches will not eat under any circumstances

It would seem that cockroaches are insects that can use almost anything as food. However, there are certain foods that repel cockroaches.

Cockroaches do not show interest in some plant species that emit a strong aroma. Any essential oils also have a repellent effect on cockroaches. Among such plants are mint, lemon balm, wormwood, geranium, fir, etc.

F.A.Q.

What food is attractive to cockroaches?

Cockroaches can feed on a variety of foods, including produce, waste, and even paper. These insects are omnivores, which makes them especially dangerous to humans. However, cockroaches usually prefer sweet and starchy foods.

Where can cockroaches come from?

Cockroaches usually appear in warm rooms with high humidity, where there is a lack of light and the ability to hide from people. Such places include the kitchen, pantry, bathroom and toilet where food and water are available to insects. In favorable conditions, cockroaches actively reproduce.

What damage do cockroaches cause?

Cockroaches evoke negative emotions by their appearance and can also damage food and pose a threat to human health, carrying various diseases such as typhus, intestinal infections, meningitis and pneumonia. These pests can also be dangerous to pets.

What are the characteristics of cockroaches?

The body of the cockroach is 10 to 16 mm long and two dark stripes may be visible on the back. They have 6 legs and a pair of whiskers, as well as strong mouthparts with which they can chew through various objects, including shoes.

How to get rid of cockroaches?

There are several types of cockroaches found indoors, such as red, black, American, etc. Most of them are dark in color and may be winged. Countering the Prussians becomes especially important, since their presence brings a lot of inconvenience and problems.