There are few insects that we despise more than cockroaches. Some people associate them with warm-weather states, and they may indeed be Florida’s unofficial state bird. Still, the truth is that most cold-weather states also suffer from infestations, including ours. 

The Evolution Of A Super-Pest

The roach is a bug that has been evolving for more than 280 million years and is conditioned for survival in extreme conditions. Studies show that they have developed an immunity to many pesticides. They can hold their breath underwater for 40 minutes, go for weeks without food, and even live for two weeks with their heads cut off. It’s a cliché, but they are resilient enough to survive a nuclear apocalypse. History provides corroborating evidence that cockroaches were found alive and healthy just 1,000 feet away from where the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. But their resilience is one of many reasons we hate them, perhaps not the main one. There are many stigmas associated with infestations.

7 Great Reasons To Hate Cockroaches

They bite, or, at least, many species do, including two that are very common in Wisconsin and Minnesota, the American and German cockroach.

1) They don’t stop foraging for food and can contaminate everything; nothing in your cupboards is off-limits. And, shockingly, neither is your body. They have been known to feed on fingernails, hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes while you’re asleep. (No wonder they give us nightmares.)

2) They reproduce quickly. The German lays up to 40 eggs at once and carries the egg sack, called the ootheca, on its abdomen. A single female can produce up to 300 offspring within a year. Her babies, meanwhile, become adults in about a month and start making babies themselves. Thus, a small infestation can escalate into staggering numbers in a very short period of time.

3) Roaches leave a trail of disgusting, unsanitary waste. Their excrement looks like specs of black pepper. You’ll also find a scattering of food debris, shed exoskeletons, and dead carcasses throughout your home.

4) They stink. Cockroaches give off a sickeningly sweet, oily smell, and as an infestation grows worse, so does the stench.

5) They can spread numerous diseases like typhoid, E. coli, salmonella, dysentery, plague, and more. Plus, they cause serious breathing issues like asthma.

6) They cause significant emotional distress. Insomnia, anxiety, disgust, and paranoia are emotions we can experience when we have a roach problem. Many people also feel terrible shame, as if the infestation is their fault for not being clean enough. (This is completely unwarranted. In truth, anyone can experience an infestation no matter how well they maintain their home.)

Don’t Be A Victim

That’s seven unlucky reasons and more than enough to stop being victims of these vile, invasive pests. The time to get rid of your cockroach problem is now, and the best way to do it is 1st Defense Pest Solutions.

There is no better pest control specialist in La Crosse or the surrounding areas than 1st Defense. We are local, affordable, and experienced, and we can provide you with the dependable pest control solutions you deserve. From customized treatments to maintenance and prevention plans, we can end your infestation and help protect your home in the future. So, don’t wait. Contact us today, and let’s begin.