You might've heard that cockroaches can survive a nuclear blast. If the worst should happen and the world succumbs to nuclear war, the cockroaches would reign supreme as the one and only organism left on earth. This hardly seems fair - consider how much time humans have spent trying to control cockroach populations. You might've chased one of them out of the bathroom this morning! So, if they really can withstand a nuclear blast, what chance do we have of managing cockroach infestations at home?
What people mean when they say that cockroaches can survive a nuclear blast is that they can withstand heavy amounts of radiation. According to the Guardian, being exposed to 1,000 radiation units, otherwise known as "rads" would cause extreme nausea in a human being. A single dose of 5,000 rads would likely be fatal in about half of those exposed. 10,000 rads would be fatal in a matter of weeks. Now consider this: The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons reported that a single 100 kiloton nuclear bomb would cause fatal levels of radiation up to 50 miles away from the blast site.
In a Myth Buster experiment, groups of cockroaches were exposed to either 1,000 rads, 10,000 rads or 100,000 rads for a month. Any of these levels over that length of time would be fatal to a human. However, over half of the cockroaches exposed to 1,000 rads survived. Of those exposed to 10,000 rads, 10 percent survived. 100,000 rads proved to be too much, however. Note that any cockroaches present at the site of an atomic blast would be so much atomic ash and dust - so they're not invincible!
The reason cockroaches are so resilient is because they are far simpler than humans. A single organ from a human is quite a lot more complicated than a cockroach. And the more complicated a system is, the easier it is to mess up. Cockroach anatomy and cell structure is relatively simple.
So does that mean that these simple creatures would rule the world after nuclear war? Maybe not. Mental Floss noted that there are other insects even more resilient to radiation than cockroaches. Fruit flies, for instance, can withstand 64,000 rads. Some species of parasitic wasps can take an incredible 180,000 rads!
If you have a cockroach problem at home, forgo the nuclear weapons. Call a professional pest control company instead.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
The customer is always right, and this is especially true if he or she is complaining about seeing a mouse or cockroach. Pests have no place in your organization, as bugs and rodents will turn away potential business or even lead to a possible lawsuit. Keeping your company protected requires a proactive approach. Work with a pest removal specialist to identify the best ways to stop creatures from infesting your business. Here are just a few ideas for successfully mitigating and preventing any issues:
You might see an influx of rodents at this time of year, because as the weather cools mice and rats seek warmth anywhere they can find it. Unfortunately, that often means inside residential homes. Many homes may experience rodent infestations at this time of year more than any other. Whether they're getting into your garage, basement or kitchen, it's important to put a stop to them before the problem becomes too serious and requires the intervention of a professional pest control agency.
Summer is almost here and before you head out on a family trip or even if you travel for work, consider doing a little research so you become familiar with bed bugs. This will help you identify them quickly and it could keep you from bringing them home unknowingly!
With the promise of summer also comes the promise of bugs. Homeowners have to stay vigilant, lest they find ants - or worse - rifling through their food.
You might've heard that cockroaches can survive a nuclear blast. If the worst should happen and the world succumbs to nuclear war, the cockroaches would reign supreme as the one and only organism left on earth. This hardly seems fair - consider how much time humans have spent trying to control cockroach populations. You might've chased one of them out of the bathroom this morning! So, if they really can withstand a nuclear blast, what chance do we have of managing cockroach infestations at home?
