Roaches

Roaches are among the most common insects. There are approximately 3500 species of cockroaches worldwide - about 60 species are found in the United States. Cockroaches produce odorous secretions from various points in their bodies which can affect the flavor of various foods. Although disease producing organisms such as bacteria have been found on cockroach bodies, the principal disease transmitted by cockroaches are gastroenteritis diseases. These include food poisoning, dysentery, diarrhea and other illnesses. For the most part, however, cockroaches usually are not associated with severe illnesses or disease outbreaks. Although cockroaches are able to move around quite easily, and some are able to fly, cockroaches are well known for moving to new areas via "hitchhiking". Cockroaches are mostly active at night, during which time they forage for food, water and mates. Cockroaches ordinarily prefer a moist environment and relatively high degree of warmth. Cockroaches usually live in protected cracks and crevices which provide a warm and humid environment. They may be seen in the daytime, usually when a heavy population is present or when some other stress is placed on them (such as lack of food or water).