Cockroaches

Class: Insecta
Superorder: Dictyoptera
Order: Blattodea

What is the scientific classification of cockroaches?

orthoptera

cockroaches were a part of

Both belong to the superorder Dictyoptera

What is the relationship between cockroaches and mantises?

Cockroaches: ~4,400 species in 500 genera
Termites: ~3,000 species in 300 genera

How many species of cockroaches and termites exist?

Dorso-ventrally flattened pronotum
Well-developed eyes (covered by pronotum)
Long slender antennae
Chewing mouthparts
2 pairs of wings
Large, segmented abdomen with cerci
Cursorial legs with spines/spurs

Describe the general morphology of cockroaches.

Incomplete metamorphosis (Hemimetabolous)

What is the cockroach life cycle?

Egg (ootheca) → Nymph → Adult

Life stages

1 month to 1.5 years

Life span

5–10

Nymphs molt —- times depending on species

Food
Water
Harborage

What are the basic survival requirements of cockroaches?

Nocturnal
Omnivorous
Cannibalistic
Prefer damn environments

What are key behavioral traits of cockroaches?

cockroaches visible during daytime

sign of infestation

Mechanical vectors
Contaminate food via regurgitation and defecation
Carry disease organisms on legs and body hairs
Intermediate hosts for parasites
Cause allergic reactions and asthma

Why are cockroaches medically important?

Salmonella enterica (Typhi)
Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, E. coli, Shigella, Clostridium, Brucella, Pasteurella, Mycobacterium leprae

What bacteria are commonly associated with cockroaches?

Helminths: Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris spp., Taenia saginata, Hookworms
Protozoans: Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Toxoplasma gondii
Most common: Ascaris and Hookworm eggs (especially in open defecation areas)

What parasites are cockroaches associated with?

Shed skin, feces, body parts
Can cause dermatitis, asthma
Produce mutagenic/carcinogenic compounds: xanthurenic acid, kynurenic acid

What allergens are associated with cockroaches?

Wings: Fully developed in both sexes
Life cycle: 3 months – 3 years

What are distinguishing features of Periplaneta americana (American cockroach)?

Yellowish-brown with 2 longitudinal dark bands
Life cycle: 2–3 months
Female carries ootheca until hatching

What are key traits of Blattella germanica (German cockroach)?

Dark brown to black
Wings: Vestigial in both sexes
Prefers cool, damp places, wall
black beetle

Describe Blatta orientalis (Oriental cockroach).

Color: Pale yellowish-brown with 2 crossbands
Prefers warm areas (appliances)
Life cycle: 3–9 months

What are key traits of Supella longipalpa (Brown-banded cockroach)?

Droppings
Empty ootheca
Live cockroaches
Sight of nymphs = presence of adults

What are signs of cockroach infestation?

exclusion, sanitation, destruction

What are three major pest control principles for cockroaches?

Cockroach eats bait → returns to colony → dies
Other cockroaches eat dead body (cannibalism)
Effect: Autocidal (colony self-kills)

How do cockroach bait traps work?

Sticky traps
Ordinary bait traps
Sanitation
Exclusion measures

What are some non-chemical control methods?

Solids: Boric acid (restricted)
Dusts: Silica gel (desiccant)
Liquids: Pyrethroids
Aerosols/Fogging
Insect Growth Regulators (e.g. Juvenile Hormone Analogues)

What chemicals are used in cockroach control?

Long exposure to pesticides since WWII
Cross-resistance from agricultural use
Low to moderate resistance detected via molecular methods

Why is insecticide resistance a challenge in cockroach control?