Can cockroaches really survive a nuclear bomb? Do they actually predate dinosaurs? When it comes to cockroaches, there are a lot of myths surrounding them due to misinformation spread throughout the years. One thing’s for sure: Having cockroaches inside your home is downright frustrating, gross, and something that no one wants to deal with. With cockroach infestations common during the fall in Florida, it’s important to know the facts about these dreaded pests.

Common Cockroach Myths

We’ve all heard that cockroaches can survive a nuclear war, but is that true? In reality, no, cockroaches would not survive a nuclear war. They can, however, withstand 10 times the radiation that a person can.

Another common tidbit told about cockroaches is that they can survive without their heads, which is true to a degree! A cockroach can live for about a week without its head but will eventually die of dehydration. Long story short: cockroaches are some of the most adaptable creatures on Earth and one of the harder pests to deal with.

Actual Cockroach Facts

Unfortunately, many of the more frightening things you hear about cockroaches are completely true! We’ve answered five of the most common questions and concerns about roaches:

1. Do cockroaches cause allergies?
   • Yes! People with cockroach allergies experience adverse reactions when exposed to their droppings, saliva, and shed body parts.
2. How long do cockroaches live?
   • American cockroaches have been known to live for up to two years in the right conditions. The cockroach life cycle varies between species, though.
3. How long do cockroaches survive without food?
   • Roaches can survive for up to a month without ingesting any food, but will typically die without water within a week!
4. Do cockroaches reproduce quickly?
   • Yes. They have a quick reproduction cycle and female roaches can produce 200–300 offspring within a year.
5. Do cockroaches bite?
   • Although cockroach bites are very rare and only happen when they reach a low food supply, they do indeed happen.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Tall tales aside, cockroaches are truly difficult to get rid of and can spread quickly without the help of a cockroach control expert! The best way to avoid dealing with a cockroach infestation is learning how to prevent one in the first place. As soon as you see a cockroach on your property, it’s important to call a professional pest control company such as Heron Home & Outdoor. We train our cockroach exterminators to act safely and efficiently in our roach control processes and also teach customers how to prevent future infestations. Contact us today for a free quote!