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Why Cockroaches Are So Hard To Kill

Cockroaches are one of the most resilient creatures on the planet. They hide in walls, sewers and cupboards. Cockroaches are one of the most hated pests. With such world-renowned hatred, how do they manage to survive? Here’s why they are so hard to get rid of on your own.

The American Cockroach

Over 3,500 species of cockroaches live in the world, but only 30 species have adapted to live around humans. There’s one cockroach you probably know better than you would like: the American cockroach. This species is actually from Africa and it made its way to the US by infesting boats in the 16th century.

The American cockroach is a master survivor. Its genes are associated with chemoreception. That’s how a roach smells and tastes its environment. They are much better at sniffing out food than other insects, with over 154 olfactory receptors for smell! The American cockroach is not a picky eater. They go for things like book bindings, toenails, blood, cardboard and even each other!

Why these pests are so tough

The American cockroach has genes called cytochrome p450s, which help it survive poisonous chemicals. The roach also has a strong immune system that kills harmful fungi and microbes. This makes the most unsanitary environment look like a 5-star resort to the average American cockroach.

Keeping cockroaches away

While cockroaches may be hard to kill, there are a few easy ways to keep them away. Roaches survive in and enjoy unsanitary conditions, so cleanliness is one way to keep them at bay. Store food in airtight containers, remove trash regularly and keep your basement dry. It’s also a good idea to plug holes in your walls and drains. Cockroaches can climb from the sewer to the plumbing in your bathroom sink.

If you already have an infestation, you will need professional help to resolve the problem. For cockroach infestations in the Phoenix area, contact the professionals at CimeX Control. Call us for a free inspection. We build relationships with our clients so they feel free to communicate with us about their unique challenges. We also tailor our plans to each pest problem, making sure we remove critters the first time. Call us at (602) 688-4985 or send us a message at ftorres@cimexcontrol.com.