Cockroaches. These pests are known for their tendency to make messes, cause health problems and be notoriously hard to kill. Their hardiness as a household annoyance has given rise to many myths about them. Our experts have debunked some of the most common cockroach myths below. 

Myth: All cockroaches are bad.

Fact: Not all roaches are problems for humans. Only about one percent of cockroaches are considered household pests, which is about thirty species. The most common ones you’ll see in your house are the American cockroach, the German cockroach, the Oriental cockroach and the brown-banded cockroach.

Myth: Cockroaches can survive a nuclear blast.

Fact: Cockroaches can withstand about ten times more radiation than a human, but even they wouldn’t survive a nuclear blast. So don’t go nuking your home trying to get rid of them. There are better options.

Myth: Cockroaches existed during the time of the dinosaurs.

Fact: True! Cockroaches are approximately 200 million years old. Some fossils date back to 350 million years ago, even before dinosaurs.

Myth: Cockroaches will make my allergies worse.

Fact: Unfortunately, this one is also true, especially for those with asthma. Roach droppings and discarded moltings contain proteins which can be health irritants. Also, roaches carry harmful bacteria, which can cause all manner of sickness.

Myth: Cockroaches only infest dirty homes.

Fact: Roaches aren’t picky about where they go, as long as there is food and water for them. You can clean as a preventative measure, but it’s still not a guarantee. You can also make sure they don’t get into your home by sealing cracks and other points of entry.

Myth: Cockroaches will eat anything.

Fact: Yes, roaches will eat most anything. They are known to eat droppings and their own dead fellow cockroaches. 

Myth: Cockroaches don’t breathe oxygen.

Fact: Cockroaches do breathe oxygen, but they can survive for a short time without it.

Myth: Bigger cockroaches are a bigger problem, smaller cockroaches are less of a problem.

Fact: Cockroach size is not a factor in whether they are a pest or not. 

Myth: Cockroaches can survive without their heads.

Fact: True and false. Cockroaches don’t breathe through their heads, they breathe through holes in their bodies called spiracles. But they still drink and eat with their heads. So they survive up to a week without their heads, but will eventually die of dehydration.

Myth: Boric acid will kill cockroaches.

Fact: In pesticide mixtures, yes. But regular boric acid from a store is not formulated for that use. Be wary of spreading it in your house as a deterrent, especially if children are present, since less that two teaspoons of it can be deadly to children.

With all the myths floating around about cockroaches, it’s important to know the facts. If you have a cockroach problem, contact Dodson Pest Control today for a free inspection.