What Do Cockroaches Release?
WouterWhen cockroaches are stomped, they release a sound that sounds like plastic breaking. This sounds gross, but it’s actually the exoskeleton cracking. A cockroach’s exoskeleton is a thick, hard material that roaches breathe through. They use this to control their body temperature and water loss, which is why they can survive for thirty minutes in water. When the exoskeleton cracks, the roach loses the ability to control its muscles. Ultimately, it starves to death, and will die.
Fortunately, there are a number of pesticides available to control cockroaches. The best way to effectively kill cockroaches is to eliminate all of their entry points. This is the first line of defense, says Amy Cross, project coordinator of the National Pesticide Information Center.
Cockroaches also release a pheromone when they find a new nesting site. This pheromone attracts other cockroaches because of the smell. When a roach dies, it also releases a death odor. The stench is actually oleic acid. While bleach sprays are effective at killing cockroaches, the process can take a while. Boric acid is more effective and may take less time to work.
Cockroaches are primarily outdoor animals, and most species live in the tropics. They are reddish brown with a pale yellow band on their head. These cockroaches are not able to survive indoors, and so they tend to be an annoyance during springtime and summer. They can live on wood, and may even live in woodpiles.
