Most people associate cockroaches with disgust and disgust. And this despite the fact that they hardly know anything about these creatures. For example, many people do not know whether cockroaches can fly or not. It is worth taking a closer look at the cockroaches and their way of life. With the information from this guide, it will be very easy to recognize the animals in the future. The background knowledge may also make it easier to eliminate in the event of an infestation.
Table of Contents
Subspecies and likelihood of confusion
The cockroach genus includes around 4000 species worldwide. Those found in human households are popularly known as cockroaches. The following cockroaches are the most common:
- German cockroach (Blattella germanica)
- Common cockroach/Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis)
- American cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
- Braunbandschabe (Supella longipalpa)
- Brown cockroach (Periplaneta brunnea)
- Australian cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae)
Many people mistakenly assume that cockroaches only exist under unsanitary conditions. However, if the location favors preferences such as warmth and humidity, there is a risk of encountering the cockroaches even in well-kept households. Their bad reputation probably stems from the fact that they transmit diseases and live as storage pests. In addition to the species mentioned above, there are three other varieties native to Europe, which, however, avoid being close to civilization and are therefore not considered pests.
- Lapplandschabe (Ectobius lapponicus)
- Waldschabe (Ectobius sylvestris)
- Turkestan cockroach (Shelfordella lateralis), also known as red runner or chocolate cockroach
The latter is a special breed for feeding reptiles.
Recognizing and distinguishing cockroaches
Regardless of the species, those affected should take action against the insects in the event of an infestation. Nevertheless, it is helpful to be able to distinguish between the different types of cockroaches based on these characteristics.
German cockroach (Blatella germanica)
Body size: 12 to 15 mm
- Body color: brown with two black stripes on the chest
- have long wings
- Lifetime: 100 to 200 days
Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis)
- Body size: 25 to 30 mm
- Body color: dark brown to black
- Wings are only rudimentarily pronounced in females, in males they extend up to 3/4 over the abdomen
- stay mostly on the ground
- multiply profusely
- not sensitive to cold
Braunbandschaben (Supella longipalpa)
- Body length: 10 to 14 mm
- Body color: tawny with a light border around the neck
- Males have longer wings than females
- Glued oothecae (egg packets)
- prefer dry places
- Synonyms: sofa or furniture cockroach
Australian cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae)
- Body size: 25 to 35 mm
- Body color: reddish brown (similar to American cockroach), yellow stripes on outside of wings
- disease carriers
- causes damage to technical devices
American cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
- Body size: 28 to 44 mm
- Body color: bright reddish brown
- The males have wings that extend beyond the body, while the females end with the abdomen
- love warm, humid places
locomotion
Although cockroaches possess wings, they cannot actually fly . Their erratic locomotion is reminiscent of flying, but in reality it is more like gliding, during which the insects only cover short distances. Only brown-banded cockroaches, Australian cockroaches and dams sometimes fly away when there is danger to bring the eggs to safety.
On the ground, however, the cockroaches move very quickly and nimbly. They can cover an incredible 1.5 meters per second. Even smooth walls are not an obstacle. Thanks to their exoskeleton, they are able to squeeze through the smallest of holes, much like mice. And the pests are also true locomotion artists under water. They can hold their breath in the sewers for up to 40 minutes.
habitat
Although many people detest the small insects, they themselves are to blame for their occurrence in European latitudes. Humans introduced cockroaches as neozoa. Now the different species have adapted to the local conditions. They love high temperatures and, depending on the variety, also damp places. That is why they are increasingly found in zoological institutions, bathrooms, kitchens and washrooms. But the pantry also offers a welcome place to stay. An infestation is not easy to spot. Cockroaches are nocturnal and live in hiding. Only in the dark do they venture out of holes and joints.
Signs of an infestation in the home
- Kotspuren
- intense, peculiar smell
- smears
- molting residue
- Egg (Ootheken)
- tiny signs of wear on packaging
properties
Many people doubt the real core of some science fiction films in which insects defy radioactive rays and are the only creatures to survive a nuclear catastrophe. To a certain extent, however, they are actually immune to radioactivity. Here is some more interesting information about their properties.
food
Cockroaches are omnivores. Both fabrics and paper, food or leather fall victim to their feeding. They have a special fondness for beer. If there is enough food, they multiply rapidly. One could call it luck in disguise that the insects then independently reduce their own population through cannibalism in order to prevent food shortages. Again, they are able to survive a month without food.
harmfulness
Human skin is also on the cockroach’s diet. Other creatures are particularly lucrative as they provide not only food but also liquid. A cockroach bite is manifested by the following symptoms:
- swelling
- Crushing
- delayed pain
