Cockroaches belong to the order Blattaria and have been around for millions of years. With over 4,500 species worldwide, about 30 are associated with human habitats, and only a handful are considered major pests.

Common pest species include:

• American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana): Large, up to 30 mm (1.2 in) in length.

• German Cockroach (Blattella germanica): Smaller, about 15 mm (0.59 in) long.

• Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis): Around 25 mm (0.98 in) long.

• Asian Cockroach (Blattella asahinai): Similar in size to the German cockroach.

Tropical cockroaches tend to be larger, but their impact as pests is minimal compared to these urban species.

Cockroaches are among the most resilient and troublesome household pests. They feed on human and pet food, spread harmful microbes, and can trigger allergies and asthma through allergens like tropomyosin. These pests are especially problematic in environments like hospitals where hygiene is critical.

Prevention Tips:

• Keep food sealed in airtight containers and maintain cleanliness.

• Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and repair leaks to remove water sources.

• Regularly vacuum and seal cracks or entry points around baseboards, cabinets, and windows using caulk or steel wool.

Cockroaches can survive up to three months without food and a month without water, making them tough to eradicate. Effective control often involves bait traps, boric acid, or gel insecticides like hydramethylnon. Biological predators such as wasps (family Evaniidae) and house centipedes can help control populations, but professional extermination is often necessary to manage infestations.