Insects are around us – even when we do not see them. If you were to compare the population of humans to insects on Earth at any given moment, humans would only represent a sliver (0.06 out of 550 gigatons)(GT) of living creatures throughout the world, compared to insects, one full Gt – roughly 17 times more than the human population. According to recent studies, there are approximately 200 million insects for each human on the planet. That is a lot of bugs creeping around. 

Insects are attracted to areas where resources are abundant, primarily in the form of shelter, water, and food. One of the most famous culprits that break into our homes for these reasons is the roach. Many people are embarrassed at the sight of roaches in their homes. These pests, however, will find their way into even the cleanest of homes. A roach infestation, albeit unpleasant, is not a reflection on you as a homeowner (phew!). 

There are at least five species of cockroaches invading residential and commercial areas in Michigan:

• German 

• Brown-Banded 

• Oriental 

• American 

• Wood

Generally, they are drawn to darkness and moisture. However, they each have their areas within the home that they prefer. For instance, you’ll most likely find a German Cockroach in your kitchen or bathroom, whereas the Brown-Banded prefers slightly warmer conditions, and so may find shelter in a garage or other rooms where heat is often trapped. Though they are quite scary, cockroaches are some fascinating creatures. The prevailing suspicion that they come alive only at night is quite correct, as they spend 75% of their time sleeping outside of the times you run into them in the dark. Despite the common defense of shining a light on the bugs and watching them scatter, roaches are not afraid of the light. In fact, they love it. A handful of the 4,500 species of cockroaches in the world love light so much that they can be spotted gathering around TVs or bright windows quite often. 

No matter where you find them, roaches can spread fast, some developing from larvae to adulthood in less than 60 days. They can live between 6 months to a year, feasting on greasy foods and decaying matter within your home. 

Roaches are some of the most resilient insects on Earth, able to withstand temperatures as low as 34◦F. They can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes at a time and survive without food an entire month – so no matter how waste-free your home is, they will persist long enough to reproduce despite your best efforts. 



To effectively get rid of any roaches lingering in your home, you need to enlist the help of professionals. Stratex Pest Control is a locally owned and operated business that uses cutting-edge treatment methods for customized defense of homes and businesses. We specialize in the prevention and removal of both insects and wildlife and will tailor our services to meet your monthly needs or adapt to seasons of high insect activity. Call today to get started in protecting your home from insects with the #1 pest control service in Southwest Michigan.