cockroaches facts and myths

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Cockroaches:

Cockroaches are considered pests by some, and appetizers by others! Although many people do not like the sight of roaches in their homes, they are still fascinated by the little (and sometimes not so little) creatures.

It has been said that cockroaches have survived through millions of years, and even a nuclear blast would not kill all of them. I guess we may as well accept the fact we may see one from time to time.

There are many myths and legends and interesting stories about roaches. I wanted to find out what was fact, and what was fiction about these sturdy little creatures.

Interesting facts about cockroaches

Probably more than you ever wanted to know about roaches

Here are a few fascinating facts about cockroaches


  • Crushed cockroaches when applied to a wound, can help ease the sting

  • cockroaches have white blood

  • Roaches primarily come out for water, not food

  • Cockroaches can live a month without food, but only a week without water

  • A roach can live a week without a head. It dies after a week due to lack of water

  • A cockroach that has just shed it's skin is white and has black eyes. It takes 8 hours to reproduce the skin layer.

  • Laboratory female roaches are able to reproduce without aid of a male. They produce all female offspring

  • The largest roach in the world is the largest body, Macropanesthia rhinocerus from Australia weighing in at up to 50 grams.

  • Cockroaches thrive in all conditions and live in the desert as well as the arctic

  • Most roaches have the ability to fly, but not all do.

  • Fried Cockroaches are common snacks in Cambodia, as are spiders and rats

Creepy Crawly Roaches

Just the thought of cockroaches can make people uncomfortable but the sight of them skittering about will make their skin crawl. Place these critters on a friend's wall and watch the reaction! These realistic gag roaches are no exception: just put them on a smooth hard vertical surface like a window or refrigerator and they will creep down in an alarmingly real manner. Fool your office buddies or freak out your roomates! Includes 3 roaches.Warning: Choking Hazard -Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.


Roach-O-Rama, Mini Wall-Walking Cockroaches, 3Pk

Not for the easily queezy!

Talk about a giant cockroach

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Myths about roaches

Roaches are the subject of many myths

Here are some myths and truths about cockroaches:


  • There are no German Cockroaches Not true. Although even zoologists have claimed there are no German Cockroaches, studies found many of them in hot, humid conditions at the zoos.

  • roaches don't hibernate. This also is false, even in the Northern U.S. there are species of wild cockroaches that hibernate.

  • Cockroaches do not bite. False. The larger roaches have even been known to bite humans

  • Roaches only live in dirty homes. Wrong. Roaches live in the walls of even clean homes, they have larger colonies in less clean homes because there is a bigger food supply available.

  • All roaches lay several egg sacs a month. Incorrect. German roaches lay about one sac per month, but each sac can contain approximately 40 baby roaches. American roaches can lay a sac every 2-3 days, and each sac contains about 12 babies

  • Cockroaches are active all night. That is not exactly true. Roaches are primarily active for a 4 hour period of your household's normal "lights out" time. Although, they can be seen at other times as well.

WARNING-GRAPHIC AND GROSS (To most Americans anyway)

Man eating cockroaches

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Other Misc. Roach facts

roaches are interesting creatures!

Although many think that cockroaches are afraid of light, they are not. They prefer darkness but are not afraid of the light. To a cockroach, light means "man is in the kitchen (or wherever,) so they scurry to get away.

Some people think roaches must have eyes in the back of their heads, but they don't. They do have tiny little hairs that gage the air movement around them, so they feel you, they don't see you from behind.

I've read various statements on whether it's true that roaches could survive a nuclear blast. Some experts say yes, others say no.

Roaches come out for water far more often than they come out for food. Normally, one night of feasting is enough to last at least several days for a roach.

One roach expert told me that a single grain of sugar is enough to feed a cockroach for a month, however, studies I have read indicate that may or may not be true.

The reason substances like boric acid works to kill roaches is that they routinely clean themselves and each other. Thus, boric acid on their bodies will be consumed and kill them, and some of their friends. Boric acid can be made into a paste with flour and sugar and used as bait. This kills them also.

Roaches love onions.

Roaches eat meat, they are omnivores, so they will eat just about anything including dead animals.

Try an Electronic Cockroach and Pest Repellant

Hissing Cockroach

Roach facts

Haven't had enough of roaches?

So most people think they are disgusting, but they are truly interesting little creatures. Learn more about them, you just may conquer your fear of them!

Want to kill cockroaches?

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One more roach video-brace yourself

The world record for lying with live cockroaches

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"I Eat Cockroaches"

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Okay...then get rid of the roaches

roach B gone!

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I'm Veronica, and I have been creating lenses on Squidoo since July of 2008. I am now a "Giant Squid 100"! I have graduated from Rocket Moms... more »

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Freak out your friends! 

Fake cockroaches!

144 Fake Rubber Cockroaches

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Okay, so this kind of prank isn't for everyone. Some people will find the thought absolutely hilarious though!

When you just want cockroaches OUT of your house 

You need artillary

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Safer for kiddos and pets 

poison free and magnetic

Victor M256 Poison-Free Insect Magnet Traps, 12-Pack

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If you have kids or pets in the house, you know that any type of poison can be harmful to them.