If there has been a constant since mankind started walking the earth, it's that cockroaches have haunted us. They've been around for about 350 million years. Many scientists believe that our irrational fear of this insidious pest may be hardwired into our DNA. According to a list published by yahoo.com, and based on user input, the roach was the number one most hated pest. As far back as Ancient Egypt, people have been trying to figure out how to get rid of the creature. In their Book of the Dead, the Egyptians invoked the name of their god in a failed attempt, "Be far from me, O vile cockroach, for I am the god Khnum."

While some even to this day may still pray that the bugs be gone, most of us realize it is going to take something a bit stronger to get the job done. In fact, sales of roach pesticides were over five-hundred and fourteen million dollars in 2020 and were expected to be almost 700 million by 2026. The unfortunate truth is that because of the speed that roaches produce, many over the counter pesticides become obsolete quickly as the bugs develop immunity. Foggers or bombs may kill the roaches they touch but rarely reach the places they like to hide and even push them further into hiding. The result is better-prepared bugs and a toxic residue on countertops, furniture, and floors.

Due to the construction of their bodies, when roaches die, they end up on their backs. however, it may be possible that they are just playing dead to avoid human contact. Even submerging them in water for 30 minutes is not enough to kill them. Perhaps the most satisfying way of getting rid of them is to step on them. Even then, it may not be so easy as their skittish movements and ability to run 3 miles per hour can make tracking them down difficult.

There is more to the tight places they hide than just trying to evade our eradication attempts. They are thigmotropic, which means they like to feel something solid touching them, even surrounding them. That is also why they congregate in such large groups and rub up against each other. Because they are social, individuals who try to live a solitary life often become ill.

Their effect on us is much greater than just being creeped out. A study called the Psychological Consequences of Infestation of the Dwelling Unit showed that infestations caused anxiety, insomnia, depression, and increased hostility. Physically, they threaten us with the diseases they can spread, including salmonella, streptococcus, and staph. Their shed skins can also cause an allergic reaction in some resulting in rashes and shortness of breath. Because they eat just about anything, it is common for them to spread pathogens onto our food, resulting in food poisoning.



In Northeast Indiana, if this little pest is causing a big problem, contact Fortified Pest Control. We are the area's top-rated pest control service and pride ourselves on the quick and efficient removal of pests and a follow-up plan to keep them out.