Roaches

While some animals have garnered titles of adoration like “man’s best friend,” others are left in the dust, or literally the dirt, when it comes to appreciation. Dogs, cats, bunnies, and even some insects like ladybugs and butterflies are well-loved and can inspire nature’s awe when encountered. Roaches are not readily considered an insect taken kindly to and often invoke fear, panic, and a sense of dread in those whose path they cross. Happening upon this insect as it runs erratically out of a dark corner of the cabinet is enough to evoke screams and a silly scene of swinging a broom at it or stomping around like a mad person on a mission to kill.

The documentation of the history of human disdain for roaches dates back to ancient Egyptian times when citizens implored the ram-headed god Khnum to banish them completely. In ancient Rome, Pliny the Elder wrote of the “disgusting” nature of roach pests. They also transfer disease-causing organisms such as bacteria, protozoa, and viruses; and can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in certain individuals. The fear of roaches is so prevalent that Richard Kaae, an entomologist at California State University, thinks cockroaches are the number one insects feared by humans. Some people even have a full-blown phobia of roaches, called katsaridaphobia.

They will eat almost any material and are often associated with trash and greasy, smelly decay with a preference for fermented foods. They are some of the fastest terrestrial animals on earth, which adds to the fear of their unpredictability through their erratic movements. Cockroaches can dart off with a start-speed of about 8.2 milliseconds, faster than the blink of an eye (cockroachfacts.com), and they can cover 50 body lengths in a single second. For a human equivalent, this is traveling 200 miles an hour. They achieve this amazing speed because they have six legs and can run on their hind legs when they reach top speed. This proof that cockroaches can easily outrun us may be why they are so deeply distrusted and feared and why they are incredibly hard to catch. 

Some females are capable of switching from a sexual mode of reproduction to an asexual mode when isolated from males and therefore can reproduce on their own. Egg sacs called ootheca hold between 14 and 48 eggs, arranged in two equal rows, depending on the species. Because of the large number of eggs laid at one time, using a professional pest control service is the preferred choice when you want the peace of mind of total eradication. 

Blast Pest Control owner Andy Avila and his team of experts will come to your home, commercial warehouse, restaurant, or job site and inspect for infestations, food sources, and entry points. Getting to the root of the issue ensures the elimination of these annoying insects. Where there is one roach, there are many more unseen. Call us today for a free estimate and be on your way to a pest-free environment. We are the #1-Rated pest control service in Bakersfield and the surrounding areas.