They are some of the biggest nuisances we come across, and they are the epitome of filth. When there are reports of just one in a restaurant, you know not to go back.
We are talking about cockroaches. Luckily insecticides and exterminators can eliminate a cockroach problem…or so we thought.
Purdue University scientists conducted a study exposing German cockroaches to different insecticides and found that some populations have developed an immunity, or resistance, from the sprays.
“This is a previously unrealized challenge in cockroaches,” says Michael Scharf of Purdue University, who led the study. “Cockroaches developing resistance to multiple classes of insecticides at once will make controlling these pests almost impossible with chemicals alone.”
If a cockroach is immune, then they pass that down to their offspring. According to CNN, a single female roach can produce 200-300 offspring in her life.
Exterminators usually use a cocktail of various insecticides in case they are immune to a certain kind, another can kill them. But since the study found that cockroaches are becoming immune to different types of insecticides, we need a new solution.
Along with hiring exterminators, Scharf says to use physical methods like traps and vacuums, and preventative measures, which means sanitation. Unfortunately, Scharf and his team found that this will be more of a problem in lower income areas.