If you don't like the cockroachesOr if you have a phobia of them, surely one of your worst nightmares would be to be in a city being invaded by them, right? And it seems the heat wave is actually triggering them, so there are a lot of people in New York who probably aren't having a great time these days.
Although you might think that these insects like high temperatures, in reality they do not. In fact, what they are doing is looking for a cooler place to protect themselves from them, as explained in DNA Info.
During the weekend of August 13 and 14, New York City experienced extreme temperatures. On Saturday, the thermometer reached 36,1ºC with 65% humidity; on Sunday, the mercury stood at 33,88°C and the humidity was 50%. These conditions are ideal for cockroaches, since, according to the University of Texas at Tyler professor, they like humidity when it's accompanied by high temperatures.
It's interesting to note that cockroaches don't fly unless their lives are in danger. If environmental conditions are unpleasant, they tend to expend energy seeking cooler places. However, they will only do so in cases of high heat and humidity, as get energy through the heat around them, as explained by Dominic Evangelista, a doctor from Rutgers who specializes in cockroaches. So, they're not flying around to annoy New Yorkers and tourists, but rather with the sole purpose of finding a corner or crevice with a better microclimate. Even though the heat wave is activating them, they prefer to spend their hours and days in cool places.
### Why do cockroaches increase during a heat wave?
Cockroaches, especially the Periplaneta americana species, are insects that adapt to a wide variety of environmental conditions. During a heat wave, their activity increases for several reasons:
- Accelerated metabolism: High temperatures increase the metabolism of cockroaches, which in turn increases their activity and reproduction rate.
- Ideal conditions for reproduction: Warm temperatures and humidity help cockroach eggs hatch more quickly, resulting in a significant increase in the cockroach population.
- Food availability: During the summer, there is more human activity, which means more food scraps and garbage for cockroaches to access.
- Seeking Shelter: Cockroaches seek refuge in cool interiors to escape the extreme heat outside.
Cockroach prevention and control strategies
While weather conditions influence the presence of cockroaches during the summer, there are steps people can take to prevent and control their proliferation:
- Keep clean: It is essential to clean up any spills and not leave food scraps within reach of these insects. regular cleaning of surfaces and proper food storage are crucial.
- Eliminate water sources: Cockroaches are attracted to the moistureIt's important to repair leaks and ensure there's no standing water in sinks or other areas of the house.
- Seal entry points: Inspect your home for cracks and spaces where cockroaches can enter and seal them. This includes windows, doors and any holes in the walls.
- Use of natural repellents: Some repellents, such as oil of mint or garlic, can help keep them away.
- Implement traps: If cockroaches are observed, sticky or bait traps can be used to catch them.
The presence of cockroaches in cities like New York increases during heat waves. However, it's vital to understand that these creatures seek shelter and favorable conditions for their survival. Implementing cleaning and control measures is essential to mitigate their impact on urban environments. Dealing with cockroaches is a challenge, but with proper prevention and control practices, it's possible to keep them at bay during the warmer months of the year.
