Cockroaches are common pests invading homes throughout the U.S. While roaches do pose an immediate threat by biting or stinging,
These pests thrive in filthy environments and are carriers of various bacteria. As they are typically attracted to food sources in the home, cockroaches are a significant health hazard. Their fast reproduction rate means they multiply drastically, resulting in a full-blown infestation, creating bigger troubles down the road.
A lesser-known fact about these critters is their lifespan. So if you are wondering how long cockroaches live and how to get rid of them, continue reading to learn more!
How Long Do Cockroaches Live?
The entire cockroach life cycle lasts up to a year on average, from egg to adult. However, some species, like the Madagascar cockroach, are known to live for five years. Common species like the American, German and Oriental cockroaches typically live for a year or perhaps a little more.
Several significant factors determine how long a cockroach lives. These include:
Breed
There are about 4,000 species of cockroaches worldwide. As mentioned, the lifespan of a cockroach depends upon its breed. For example, the giant burrowing cockroach can live up to a decade. But most household pests live for a maximum of two years.
Diet
What and how often a cockroach eats during its life also determines how long it will live. Cockroaches with easy access to food and water will survive their expected lifespan. However, roaches cannot survive more than a week without water and a month without food, dying eventually of starvation or dehydration.
Environment
Roaches living in harsh environments, such as extreme cold or where there are many natural predators, will live for a shorter period than species in more favorable conditions.
Cockroach Life Cycle
The cockroach life cycle consists of three different developmental stages. These include:
Eggs
A female cockroach lays eggs about a week after mating. These hardened, capsule-size egg casings are known as ootheca, which can carry up to 50 eggs at a given time. The female attaches the ootheca sack to a hidden surface using its saliva, such as under appliances or on walls, ceilings, and furniture.
Nymph
This stage involves the eggs hatching after about a month. Juvenile roaches go through various stages of growth, including molting, where they shed their skin, and the translucent exoskeleton transforms into a darker coloration and becomes more rigid.
Adult
Upon reaching adulthood, the cockroach is ready to reproduce, develops its wings, and forages for food and water, such as in kitchens, dumpsters, etc.
How To Prevent Cockroaches in Maryland
As cockroaches are attracted to food and filthy environments, the primary way to keep these unwelcome visitors out of your home is by practicing good sanitation.
Kitchens are preferred spots for cockroaches to set up shop in. Therefore it is essential to keep your spaces free of food sources by storing all items in airtight containers or the refrigerator and regularly mopping to eliminate food crumbs and spills. Disinfect all food prep areas with a disinfectant to get rid of grease residue and traces of food.
Water is also a major cockroach attractant. That renders it vital to block access to water to these pests, by ensuring there are no plumbing leaks, clogged gutters, or stagnant water in or around your property, such as birdbaths.
Finally, decluttering makes your home unappealing to roaches as it takes away their hiding spots in which they seek shelter and nest in your Baltimore home.
Get Rid of Your Cockroach Problem Now!
If you are dealing with a cockroach infestation, the first step to tackle the problem is by eliminating all those things that attract these critters in the first place, i.e., food, water, and shelter. A widespread infestation can be an uphill task to manage, so the best course of action is to contact a professional pest control company to take over the job.
Phenom Pest Control offers customizable pest control solutions that are tailor-made to the extent of your roach problem, with 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
If you suspect a cockroach infestation, do not wait until the worst happens. Give us a call today and schedule your free inspection to reclaim your space and live a healthy life!
