Biologists Say We Need Cockroaches

For most, the sight of a cockroach is a very unpleasant one. In Georgia, not only do we have your average, run-of-the-mill cockroaches, we have the horrific Palmetto bug (half-jokingly known as the state bird of Florida).

But should we stomp on these bugs every chance we get? Biologists say no.

"Most cockroaches feed on decaying organic matter, which traps a lot of nitrogen," Srini Kambhampati, professor and chair of the biology department at the University of Texas at Tyler, told Life's Little Mysteries. "Cockroach feeding has the effect of releasing that nitrogen (in their feces) which then gets into the soil and is used by plants. In other words, extinction of cockroaches would have a big impact on forest health and therefore indirectly on all the species that live there."

In Georgia, the most commonly encountered cockroach is the German cockroach. German cockroaches are usually one-half to three-quarters of an inch in length and are reddish brown in color. They are usually found in kitchens and bathrooms.

The aforementioned Palmetto bug, also known as the American cockroach, is also very common in Georgia. Though its name makes it sound somehow less disgusting than a cockroach, the Palmetto bug is actually even worse. While regular cockroaches are big enough, Palmetto bugs are even bigger -- often reaching two inches in length. They are also fast.

In a 1991 experiment at the University of California at Berkeley, an American cockroach was clocked running at 3.4 mph -- the equivalent of a human being running at 205 mph, according to the Rid-a-Critter pest control website.

So why should we resist the urge to stomp and poison such nasty creatures every chance we get?

The Life's Little Mysteries article explains that cockroaches are a significant food source for many birds as well as rats and mice. 

"A dearth of mice and rats would, in turn, impact the species that prey on them, including cats (both wild and domestic), coyotes, wolves and many reptiles, as well as eagles and other birds of prey. Many of those animals, we're quite fond of," the article explains.

If that is not enough to convince you to spare the life of the next cockroach you see, then there are several things you can do to eliminate cockroaches in your home including the use of foggers, sprays, traps and professional pest control services.

If you are not sure whether or not you have a cockroach problem, Orkin lists several indicators:

1.) Cockroach feces will be visible during an infestation. The feces may be small like coffee grounds or black pepper or large, cylindrical dropping. The more feces present, the larger the infestation.

2.) Some species emit unpleasant odors. A strong, oily or musty odor may be present in the event of a serious infestation.

3.) Cockroach carcasses and egg cases are also an indicator of a severe infestation.

For more information about cockroaches, visit the National Pest Management Association website.

Would you ever spare a cockroach or will you smash it immediately? Let us know in the comments.

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