Why you shouldn’t crush cockroaches

Summer is here, and the heat waves seem to be endless, with one following another with very little time to recover. As temperatures increase, the population of cockroaches tends to grow. They may be found on the streets and, unfortunately, even in some homes.

So what is one to do when faced with a roach invasion? Instinctively, you may think your best option is to squash it... but scientists warn that this could worsen your problem. Entomologists say cockroaches shouldn’t be stepped on because they can support 900 times their weight, meaning a light step or hitting the bug with a book or newspaper will not exert the force necessary to kill the creature.

Fumigation the best way to kill cockroaches

“They are insects with extreme adaptability,” entomologist and pest control expert Ryan Smith told a recent interview with the Spanish newspaper ABC.

“Thanks to their strong exoskeleton, they can withstand great force. Their exoskeleton is also flexible, allowing them to easily switch their power to the legs for running. This is also why a simple swipe with a newspaper will not successfully kill them.”

Cockroaches are known for their ability to survive extreme injuries and can live without food for months. These qualities make them highly resilient creatures. To control their population, fumigation is one of the most effective methods. It’s important to note that if their exoskeleton is not destroyed during fumigation, cockroaches can pretend to be dead and escape.

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Squashing a cockroach can spread disease

The World Health Organization recommends avoiding the crushing of cockroaches due to hygiene concerns. Cockroaches are classified as “unhygienic scavengers in human settlements” and squashing them can spread bacteria that may lead to asthma, allergies, and illnesses. Cockroaches have been known to cause illnesses such as salmonella, staphylococcus, streptococcus, dysentery, diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever.