How Did Cockroaches Come to India?
WouterCockroaches are widespread pests found in many areas of the world. They are a part of the Blattidae family and are found in many different human habitations. These insects carry allergens, microbes, and even pathogens. For the present study, we collected cockroaches in the city of Lahore, Pakistan, using sticky traps and food bait. We collected a total of four different species of cockroaches.
Cockroaches are scavengers and come to buildings in search of leftover food. Cockroaches live in sewers and garbage. The lack of waste management and the haphazard way of disposing of garbage has made a conducive environment for cockroaches to thrive.
Cockroaches evolved in the great primordial landmass Pangaea more than 300 million years ago. They were 3.5 inches long and lived in the era before dinosaurs and continents formed. The ancient cockroaches migrated across the globe and multiplied, eventually reaching every continent.
Cockroaches are a major pest in the Indian subcontinent. The cockroach species that live in India’s cities is Periplaneta americana and was introduced to India in the 1960s. It was thought that the cockroaches came to India with imported grains from the United States and Europe. Cockroaches are known to carry allergens, which affect human health.
Cockroaches are nocturnal insects and live mainly in the dark. These insects are known to feed on anything that is edible. They find shelter in kitchens, where they feed on leftover food and garbage. They live in homes and restaurants, and they are commonly found in pet food bowls.
