Ministry of Higher Education and

Scientific Research
Al-Kitab University
Medical Physics techniques

Cockroaches

Prepared by
‫فدك ارجان كريم‬
Supervised by
‫ بديعة محمود سليم‬.‫د‬

2024-2023
 Cockroaches
INTRODUCTION

Cockroaches are a group of insects belonging to the order

Blattodea. They are ancient insects that have been around for
millions of years and are known for their adaptability and
resilience. Cockroaches have flat, oval-shaped bodies with long
antennae and six legs. They come in various sizes and colors, with
most species having wings. While they prefer warm and humid
environments, they can survive in a variety of habitats, including
tropical rainforests, deserts, and urban areas (Piper G. L., 2014).

Cockroaches are primarily nocturnal creatures, hiding in dark

places during the day and becoming active at night. They are
omnivorous scavengers, feeding on a wide range of organic
matter such as food scraps, decaying plant material, and dead
animals. Their ability to survive without food for extended
periods and their capacity to consume a variety of substances
make them highly adaptable (Quarles W., 1998).

Reproduction in cockroaches involves sexual reproduction, with

males depositing sperm packets called spermatophores into the
female's reproductive tract during mating. Females then lay eggs
in protective cases called oothecae, which are often deposited in
hidden areas. Cockroaches have a high reproductive potential,
with some species capable of producing hundreds of offspring in
their lifetime (Rust MK., 2008).
Cockroaches have significant ecological importance. They serve as
decomposers, breaking down organic matter and aiding in
nutrient recycling. However, they can also be considered pests as
they can damage crops, contaminate food, and trigger allergies in
humans. Cockroaches are known for their ability to withstand
harsh conditions, survive exposure to certain pesticides, and
develop resistance over time (Klass, K. D., & Meier, R. (eds.),
2020).

While cockroaches have been the subject of scientific research,

there is still much to learn about their biology, behavior, and
potential applications. Understanding these insects can contribute
to pest management strategies and provide insights into their
evolutionary history (Roth, L. M., & Willis, E. R. 2015).

Figure (1):
Cockroaches
Life Cycle, Behavior and Habitat

Cockroaches grow and mature by gradual metamorphosis. Three

stages make up the life cycle: egg, nymph, and adult. Generations
over- lap, so all stages may be found at any time of year. Fig. 1.
Females deposit eggs in bean-shaped or purselike leathery egg
cases called oothecae. These are dropped or attached to out-of-
the-way places by the females shortly after their forma- tion. Egg
cases of the various species are quite distinctive and may be used
as an aid in deter- mining what species are involved in an
infestation (Fig. 2) (Bell, W. J., & Roth, L. M., 2007). The nymphs
which hatch from the eggs resemble the adults, except that they
are smaller, have undeveloped wings, and frequently are a
somewhat different color. Nymphs develop rather slowly,
growing by progressive stages each stage terminated by molting
of the skin that permits the insect to increase in size (Klass, K. D.,
& Meier, R. (eds.)., 2020). Nymphs may molt 5-13 times before
transforming into adults; the number depends on the species and
local conditions Cockroaches typically are nocturnal insects; they
only appear during the day when disturbed or when an
excessively large infestation erupts. Cracks and crevices are
favored hiding and breeding areas. In the Pacific Northwest, four
cockroach species frequent homes, apartment complexes, or
commercial establishments. They differ enough that the control
techniques used against one species may not be effective against
another. Because various combinations of these cock- roaches
may occur in a building at the same time, you must accurately
identify the species present before beginning control procedures
(Rust, M. K., Owens, J. M., & Reierson, D. A., 2013).

Figure (2):
Cockroach egg cases (actual lengths indicated by lines). Top and
bottom: Oriental (); American (); German (); Brownbanded.
 Figure (3): Life cycle

Figure (4): German Cockroach, Blattella germanica, female. Note

protruding egg case. (Actual length)

Figure (5):
American Cockroach, Periplaneta americana, male. (Actual
length)
Figure (6): Brownbanded Cockroach, Supella longipalpa, female.
Note bands across wings. (Actual length)

Figure (7): Oriental

Cockroach, Blatta orientalis, female. (Actual length)
Public health importance
Nuisance: Cockroaches are important pests because they spread
filth and ruin food, fabrics and book-bindings. They disgorge
portions of their partially digested food at intervals and drop
faeces. They also discharge a nauseous secretion both from their
mouths and from glands opening on the body which give a long-
lasting, offensive cockroach smell to areas or food visited by them
(Prakash S et al. 1990).

Diseases: Cockroaches move freely from building to building or

from drains, gardens, sewers and latrines to human habitations.
Because they feed on human faeces as well as human food they
can spread germs that cause disease Cockroaches are not usually
the most important cause of a disease, but like houseflies they
may play a supplementary role in the spread of some diseases.
They are proven or suspected carriers of the organisms causing
(Michael F. et all., 2018):

— diarrhoea — dysentery — cholera — leprosy — plague —

typhoid fever — viral diseases such as poliomyelitis.

In addition, they carry the eggs of parasitic worms and may cause
allergic reactions, including dermatitis, itching, swelling of the
eyelids and more serious respiratory conditions.
Environmental management

Cleanliness and hygiene: Food should be stored in tightly covered

containers in screened cabinets or refrigerators. All areas have to
be kept clean so that no fragments of food or organic matter
remain. Rubbish bins should be securely covered and emptied
frequently, preferably daily. Basements and areas underneath
buildings should be kept dry and free of accessible food and water
(Roger E. Gold et all., 2019).

Reduction of accessibility: Groceries, laundry, dirty clothing, egg

crates and furniture should be checked before being taken into a
building. In some instances, accessibility to buildings can be
reduced by closing gaps in floors and door frames. Openings for
drain water and sewer pipes, drinking-water and electricity
cables should also be closed (Roger E. Gold et all., 2019).
References

1. Piper G. L., (2014), Cockroaches: Identification, Biology. And

Control, A pacific Northwest, Cooperative Extension
Publication.
2. Quarles W. 1998. Pheromones and non-toxic cockroach control.
IPM Practitioner, Vol. XX (5/6):1-7.
3. Rust MK. 2008. Cockroaches. Public Health Significance of
Urban Pests (eds.). X Bonnefoy, H Kempen, K Sweeny. WHO
Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark.
4. Roth, L. M., & Willis, E. R. (2015). The biotic associations of
cockroaches. The Quarterly Review of Biology, 35(1), 1-26.
5. Klass, K. D., & Meier, R. (eds.). (2020). Handbook of Zoology:
Arthropoda: Insecta. Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG.
6. Bell, W. J., & Roth, L. M. (2007). Cockroaches: Ecology,
Behavior, and Natural History. The Johns Hopkins University
Press.
7. Rust, M. K., Owens, J. M., & Reierson, D. A. (2013).
Understanding and controlling the German cockroach. Oxford
University Press.
8. Prakash S et al. N,N-diethylphenylacetamide—a new repellent
for Periplaneta americana (Dictyoptera: Blattidae), Blattella
germanica, and Supella longipalpa (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae).
Journal of medical entomology, 1990, 27: 962–967.
9. Michael F. et all., (2018), Cockroach Elimination in Homes and
Apartments, University of Kentucky.
10. Roger E. Gold et all., (2019). Cockroaches: Recognition and
Control.