What makes cockroaches the most undying insect?

This may be an unusual topic to think about, but it will help you overcome the household menace of cockroaches. Over 3500 species of cockroaches live on this planet, but the good news is that only 30 of these species have adapted to live around humans. That’s still 30 types of cockroaches to deal with! Have you noticed that no matter how many cockroaches you kill, they just keep coming back? So, let’s take a look at why cockroaches are so common in our households and why it is so difficult to get rid of them.

Origin

Periplaneta Americana a.k.a The American Cockroach has a misleading name since it’s actually from Africa. It came to the United States by infesting boats that travelled from Africa to America in the 16th century. It is the most common species of cockroaches and is found almost everywhere in the world.

Super Survivors

This species has a massive number of genes, much more than other insects like honeybees, fruit flies, butterflies and termites. Most of these genes make it a master survivor. chemoreception in the gene allows the roach to smell and taste the environment which is why it’s so easy for them to find all the food in our homes. It has 154 olfactory receptors for smell and 544 gustatory receptors for taste. This makes them eat everything apart from food as well. They have genes called cytochrome P450 that allows them to feed on items that may be poisonous to other insects and animals. Also, it’s no myth that cockroaches can live for more than a week without their heads! What makes them so eternal? For the first two years of its life, this roach goes through a regenerative process. During each molt stage, it gains the power to regrow limbs, antenna and even eyes.

The Solution

Obviously, you’re wondering what can be done to keep these pests away for good. There’s actually a pretty simple solution to that. Cleanliness! Apart from surviving and thriving in an unsanitary condition, roaches enjoy the filth. So, if food is stored in air-tight containers, dustbins with wet waste are covered well and basements are dry, there’s a good chance these pesky cockroaches will stay away. You can also be extra careful by covering the electrical sockets, filling up the cracks in the walls and maintaining the pipes and drainage system. We all know roaches loves drains and can get to your sink through the pipes.