How Do Cockroaches Help the Environment?

The hissing cockroach is an arthropod native to the island of Madagascar. Its food source includes decaying plant and animal matter. Its presence in the environment is beneficial to both humans and the environment. In fact, practically all species of cockroaches are beneficial to the environment. The lack of nutrients in tropical forests has led them to be called ‘green deserts’, but these forests have survived thanks to life-support systems, including cockroaches.

Cockroaches are helpful for the environment because they feed on decaying organic matter found in the environment. Their natural diet is food for other insects, but they can also survive on a diet of dry dog or cat food. They are low-maintenance and can be easily sustained with extra food, water and a fresh habitat. Although hissing cockroaches don’t infest human dwellings, it’s best to maintain their health by keeping them in a clean, dry environment.

While most cockroaches live sheltered lives during the day, they are most active at night when they are foraging for food. During courtship and mating, male cockroaches hiss to communicate with each other. They also hiss to protect their offspring and establish a hierarchy within the colony.

The hissing cockroach is a nocturnal species that lives in tropical forests. These critters feed on decayed plant matter and fruits. They can live in colonies of thousands.