How Are Cockroaches Beneficial to Plants and the Environment?
WouterCockroaches are a common household pest that are both beneficial and detrimental to human health. They have the ability to spread dangerous bacteria and trigger asthma, and they leave an odor that irritates many people. But while they are notoriously unpleasant, cockroaches do have their uses. If you’re a gardener, consider how beneficial cockroaches are to plants and the environment.
Moreover, they feed on decaying organic matter and trap atmospheric nitrogen that is released into the soil. Nitrogen is an essential component of chlorophyll, which gives plants their green color. In addition, cockroaches are a valuable source of fiber, protein, and other valuable nutrients.
Cockroaches also play an important role in the cycle of plant life. Their legs help transport pollen, which is important for the reproduction of plants. Their feces also aid in the nitrogen cycle by depositing nitrogen back into the soil. Additionally, their diet also has medical benefits, because they produce powerful antibiotics that are beneficial for humans.
In addition to being useful for humans, cockroaches are beneficial for the ecosystem and other animals. Their food and waste materials help feed other animals. Cockroaches are useful as a means to recycle decomposing matter, and some hospitals in China even use cockroach powder to treat ulcers. In addition to their medicinal properties, cockroaches are valuable commodities in China, where entrepreneur’s keep their own roach farms in underground bunkers.
