Can Cockroaches Hear Sound?

Cockroaches may be able to hear sound, but the evidence is mixed. Although cockroaches have ears in the form of small sacs on their rear legs, they do not have ears on their heads. Instead, their hearing is based on the vibrations caused by sound waves. They are sensitive to the frequency of sound waves and are more sensitive to higher frequencies.

Cockroaches can hear sound when it is reflected from surfaces. They also emit sound to alert their mates to their presence. While most roaches do not produce sound, the stridulating species such as the German cockroach and the Leucophaea moderate make noise when they are courting.

Some cockroaches have been known to produce high-pitched screams when they are disturbed. While American and German roaches are known to be nocturnal, some scientists believe that they do not produce much sound. The noise that cockroaches make is very soft, so it is easy to confuse it with other bugs. In addition, cockroaches are nocturnal insects, so their mating calls are only produced at night.

The frequency of cockroach sound will vary depending on the size of the infestation and the quality of the home. However, the average human can only hear sounds around twenty to sixty kHz. That’s why cockroaches are most active at night. During the day, cockroaches don’t make much noise, and they can’t hear it.

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