What are Cockroaches?

Cockroaches are a type of insect that belong to the order Blattodea. They are among the most common pests found in homes, offices, and other buildings. Cockroaches have a hard exoskeleton, two pairs of wings, and six legs. They are known for their ability to quickly adapt to changing environments and to withstand harsh conditions, such as extreme heat or cold. Cockroaches are also notorious for their unsanitary habits, as they feed on a variety of substances, including food, grease, and filth, and can spread diseases and contaminate food. There are several species of cockroaches that are commonly found in homes, including the German cockroach, the American cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach.

Common Cockroaches in Fort Wayne

While there are over 4,500 cockroach species worldwide, in the Fort Wayne area, you are most likely to find one of these three specific types.

• American cockroach
• German cockroach
• Oriental cockroach

American Cockroach

The American cockroach is about one to one and a half inches long, the largest of these three. They are reddish-brown in color and are most likely to be found in restaurants & other food establishments.

German Cockroach

The German cockroach is about a half-inch long and is the most common cockroach found in the Fort Wayne area. They are tan in color and can most commonly be found in kitchen areas.

Oriental Cockroach

The Oriental Cockroach is about one inch long and prefers to live in sewers.  They are black or dark brown and may enter your home through broken sewer pipes.

Cockroach Myths

While a good portion of cockroach information is true, there are also a lot of myths surrounding these troublesome pests.

1. Cockroaches can survive a nuclear blast. – False.  One of, if not the most common myths.  The truth is that a cockroach can withstand 10x more radiation than a human.
2. All roaches fly. – False.  Some can, but most just use their wings to stabilize while jumping.  Some can’t even do that.
3. Roaches can live for decades – False. Roaches typically live for a few months and up to a couple of years.
4. Cockroaches don’t breathe oxygen. – False. While they can hold their breath for 40 minutes or be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes, they do breathe oxygen.
5. Roaches only invade dirty homes. – False. Cockroaches do not discriminate.  They will live anywhere, preferring dark tight areas.