How Much Cockroaches Are in the World?

It is estimated that there are more than 4,000 different species of cockroaches in the world. Among those species, at least 30 to 35 are considered pests. With the help of human activity and trade routes, cockroaches have spread to every continent except Antarctica. Cockroaches are among the most resilient and hardy animals on the planet. Some areas in America are home to over 36,000 cockroaches per building.

Cockroaches can run as fast as three miles per hour. They are among the fastest insects in the world. They have evolved over the millions of years to adapt to the environment and humans. They feed on everything from plants and meat to grease and glue. Cockroaches can live for up to a month without food or water. They prefer to cling together during cold weather.

Although cockroaches aren’t dangerous to humans, they can bite people. Their mandibles are large enough to pierce human flesh, although most cockroaches will only bite people in extreme infestations. Cockroaches usually bite to feed on food particles that stick to human skin.

When they reproduce, cockroaches lay eggs in a protective egg case called an ootheca. Depending on the species, the egg capsule can contain anywhere from sixteen to fifty eggs. Some species will even carry the egg cases until the eggs hatch.