Why Are Cockroaches Nearly Invincible?

Cockroaches are thought to be capable of surviving a nuclear holocaust. Well, this may be true given their near indestructible nature. They are tanks with the ability to withstand great force and can heal themselves. They are resilient pests, which makes it difficult to exterminate their infestations.

Cockroaches have an average height of twelve millimeters, but this does not stop them from sneaking into smaller spaces. These insects are able to defy the improbable in order to reach any area they please. They have the ability to compress their body, even the hard exoskeleton, to slip into gaps that are only three millimeters. The exoskeleton is comprised of plates that are jointed, which allows the bugs to be very adaptable. They keep the soft-bodied, shape altering ability to reach confined environments. Even when they are in their smaller form, they are still incredibly fast moving. In the shrunken state, a cockroach can run at a pace of sixty centimeters a second, or twenty body lengths a second. Their quick speed is just one reason why they are hard to eliminate.

While it may seem that in their compressed state they are more susceptible to damage, this is not true. They retain their ability to endure extreme pressure, making them virtually impossible to crush. In tests, cockroaches consistently survived forces that were over 900 times their body weight without sustaining any harm. They are remarkably strong, which is why they cannot be simply squished.

Healing is another attribute that makes these nuisances so invulnerable. Cockroaches can endure horrible injuries due to their ability to regenerate limbs. The American cockroach can regrow limbs during the nymph stages. No matter what trauma they undergo, they can combat this by returning to their normal form. While they can repair their exterior, they can also heal their body from the inside too. Cockroaches typically live in environments that are unsanitary and moist; they also have a fondness for fermenting foods. These factors give them countless opportunities to be exposed to pathogens and microbes. This has led the insects to evolve to handle the dirty surroundings they find themselves in. Their cells are able to respond to infection with fungi and bacteria by releasing antimicrobial peptides that enter the hemolymph. This is also the juice that can be seen when a roach is stomped. The ability to produce their own antibiotics is another reason why they are so hard to deal with.

If you have a pest problem, you can count on the certified experts at IPM Pest & Termite to help. We specialize in exterminating and controlling numerous types of pests including cockroaches, flies, stink bugs, ants, bed bugs, and more. Our first step is an inspection of the property in order to create a tailored treatment plan for your home or business. Our effective solutions are safe for your loved ones and the environment, so you do not have to worry about harsh chemicals causing damage. We are located in Lexington, KY to provide our pest control services to the surrounding area including Richmond, Versailles, Nicholasville, Georgetown, and Winchester, as well as these neighborhoods: Equestrian Woods, Pinnacle, Cumberland Hills, Waterford, Copperfield, Masterson Station, Palomar, and Firebrook. Call us today.