DID YOU KNOW?


Cockroach adults grow to an average length of approximately 4 centimeters (1.6 in) and about 7 millimeters (0.28 in) tall.  They are reddish brown and have a yellowish margin on the body region behind the head. Immature cockroaches resemble adults except that they are wingless.

The insect can travel quickly, often darting out of sight when someone enters a room and can fit into small cracks and under doors despite its fairly large size. It is considered one of the fastest running insects.  Adult cockroaches can live up to one year, during which females produce an average of 150 young.

Cockroaches generally live in moist areas, but can survive in dry areas if they have access to water. They prefer warm temperatures around 29 °C (84 °F) and do not tolerate cold temperatures. In residential areas, these cockroaches live in basements and sewers and may move outdoors into yards during warm weather. These cockroaches are common in basements, crawl spaces, cracks and crevices of porches, foundations and walkways adjacent to buildings.

The cockroach is a scavenger that feeds on decaying organic matter and a variety of other foods.  It is particularly fond of fermenting foods.  Cockroaches may enter houses through sewer connections, under doors, around plumbing, air ducts or other openings in the foundation.