Cockroaches are resilient pests that have been around since dinosaurs walked the Earth. The most common cockroach species found in New Jersey are able to withstand temperatures between 32 and 150 degrees, making these pests highly adaptable and difficult to exterminate. Cockroaches spread harmful diseases and pose a serious human health threat when they invade Monmouth County, NJ homes and businesses, but they are also fascinating insects.
Did you know?
• It is true that a cockroach can live for up to a week without its head. Roaches have an open circulatory system and breathe through tiny holes located in each body part, so having a head isn’t vital to their survival. But roaches do need water. Without a head and mouth, the insect cannot drink and eventually dies of dehydration.
• Cockroaches can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes, allowing them to survive submersion in flood waters for half an hour.
• These insects can achieve speeds up to 3 miles per hour which means they can cover a lot of ground in an hour, quickly spreading germs and bacteria.
• The largest roach in the world is a 6-inch long South American species. Fortunately, the three cockroach species found in New Jersey are much smaller. The most common NJ cockroach is the 1/2-inch long German cockroach. The 1-inch long Oriental cockroach is primarily a sewer dweller that may invade basements in winter. At 2 inches long, the American cockroach is the largest roach species in New Jersey and a prominent restaurant pest.
No matter how interesting these pests are, a cockroach infestation is a serious health hazard. If you find roaches in your home, don’t delay; call Allison Pest Control’s experienced cockroach exterminators NJ today!