The cockroach is a strange-looking creature and has ancestors dating back 300-350 million years. In fact, it is a relatively simple creature which is why it has survived for such a long time. There are approximately 4,600 different species of cockroaches but as few as 30 of these are known to exist in and around human habitats.
One thing is certain, cockroaches crawl through some of the worst materials on the planet. They may not carry diseases inside them, but they do collect bacteria on their feet and spread it across the surfaces they walk on. In short, they can spread an array of diseases and that’s not something you want in your home.
If you notice them inside your house then you need to contact your local pest control experts and get the matter dealt with as quickly as possible. You can click here to find an expert near you and give yourself peace of mind.
Of course, it helps to know what they eat.
The Cockroach Menu
Cockroaches are not fussy eaters. The staple ingredient of their diet is cellulose. Unfortunately, cellulose is the base of many ingredients, including paper, cardboard, book bindings, wallpaper glue, and even some types of clothing.
Alongside this, they are attracted to starch products and sugary items. Cockroaches are also known to eat animal droppings and will feast on dead insects, including recently deceased cockroaches.
In short, there is virtually nothing that they can’t eat.
Why They Can Eat Anything
Cockroaches are simple creatures but they have a special relationship with bacteria. In short, they have an array of bacteria in their digestive systems and these help the bug to digest a huge variety of different substances.
In return, the bacteria get to live in the cockroach happily! For the bacteria and the cockroach, the relationship works very well.
Studies show that cockroaches have adapted to be able to eat substances that would be poisonous to most other life forms. The ability to eat whatever is available is a key part of their survival for so many years.
Keeping The Cockroaches Out
Once you realize that cockroaches are very efficient at carrying disease you’ll be even more determined to keep them out of your home. This starts with getting the exterminators in to eliminate any that have already made it into your home.
You can then seal up all the gaps in your walls, no matter how small. This will help to prevent cockroaches from entering while searching for food. Don’t forget to fit draft excluders to the bottom of your doors as this will prevent the cockroaches from getting through.
You should also make sure there is no clutter in your home as this creates hiding places for the cockroaches and makes it easier for them to spread disease around your home.
Don’t forget, cockroaches, like all pests, need water. Make sure you don’t have any leaks or pools of water sat around, it will reduce the attractiveness of your home to cockroaches.
