How Do Cockroaches Survive?
WouterCockroaches are hardy insects, but some preventative measures can reduce the number of these pests. Keep your kitchen and pantry sealed and clean, and make sure that you remove food scraps and garbage on a regular basis. Moreover, keep your basement and crawl space well-ventilated and seal cracks and openings that may provide entry points for cockroaches.
Cockroaches’ flexibility is another way they survive. Their flexible exoskeletons enable them to fit through holes one-quarter the size of their bodies. In addition, they can survive for up to a week without food or water. Cockroaches can also survive for a month without a head, but they would eventually starve to death. They also don’t have mouths, so they don’t require a head to breathe. Their respiratory system consists of small openings on the side of their bodies called spiracles.
Cockroaches reproduce rapidly. One female cockroach can lay as many as eight egg cases, resulting in up to 300 to 400 offspring. Cockroaches also carry viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Their egg cases can also protect them from damage from outside elements. This means that a cockroach egg could survive the Chicxulub disaster by laying a few eggs.
Cockroaches are extremely hard to kill. Their open circulatory system allows them to survive submersion in water for up to 30 minutes. They can even survive in icy conditions. They also have complex taste and smell receptors. This enables them to avoid foods that would kill them.
