For years, researchers thought that roaches found food by luck, randomly scurrying about your kitchen. University of Florida researchers recently discovered that when cockroaches travel between food sources and their living quarters, they leave behind a chemical trail.
The scent trail, which is invisible and odorless to humans, can also be found in roach feces. Scientists hope to be able to use it to lure cockroaches into traps.
Roaches use these scent trails to navigate to known food sources.
With their antennae, roaches are able to smell the presence of food. University of Florida entomologists found that roaches use their sense of smell more often then was once thought.
By studying roach behavior, scientists can tell us how to keep roach activity to a minimum. The best method of fighting cockroach infestations is to prevent them in the first place. The battle involves eliminating their hiding places, food sources and water sources.
Hiding places: Roaches are nocturnal, spending their days hiding out of view.
Water sources: German cockroaches have strict water requirements, making kitchens and bathrooms ideal hangouts.
Food sources: Eliminate these food sources to keep the roach population down.
More than a nuisance, roaches are known to carry diseases and are considered a leading cause of allergies with an estimated 10 to 15 percent of Americans allergic to the critters.
Scientists reach a new understanding
Roaches with enough food to eat will do other things than look for food. They are quite curious, investigating their surroundings.
So far, researchers found that roaches like the smell of beer and bread best.
German cockroaches can survive for about 2 weeks without food and water.
Keep trash areas tidy and remove filled trash containers from the home as soon as possible.
Frequently run the garbage disposal to prevent food buildup.