Buzz
(Homeland) - Cockroaches are perhaps one of the most despised insects on Earth, and who hasn't wished for their extinction at least once?
Swift, elusive, lurking in the shadows and filth, resilient, the terror of almost every cleanliness-loving global citizen; roaches are the number one enemy for many. No matter how many roaches you stomp on, they will reappear at the most unexpected times, causing chaos in any home, office, or restaurant.
There are some horrifying facts about roaches that almost everyone is aware of. Firstly, they can grow up to 5 centimeters, survive half an hour underwater, sometimes even after being stepped on. Not to mention, they are a species with extremely poor hygiene habits, frequently rummaging through trash and filth, carrying countless bacteria and diseases on their bodies and especially on their legs.
Although they don't bite, their diseases and unhygienic habits can affect us in ways you wouldn't want to imagine.
Beyond the horror of hygiene and health, they also have an unimaginable longevity. These creatures can endure longer than humans in nuclear disasters, adapt to all kinds of weather, and reproduce at an astonishing rate. No wonder this species has survived for 300 million years - compared to them, humans are just 'toddlers'.
Not to mention the true nightmare when they take flight. In summary, everyone detests roaches and wants nothing to do with them, except for a few scientists or those who recognize some hidden cuteness in this elusive creature.
So, wouldn't a world without them be so much better? Not necessarily.
Apart from being food for birds and some other predators, they have a certain significance in the ecosystem. Like every other creature that humans find annoying, roaches play an important role in planetary stability.
Firstly, their carcasses are a rich source of organic matter for plants. Not to mention, roach dung is also a valuable nitrogen source. This is especially true if you know that scientists have estimated there are up to 1-2.8 trillion roaches on this planet, with an average of about 26,000 in a rundown apartment in the United States.
Losing this massive nutrient source, our plants could suffer significant loss and a decrease in coverage. But plants are not the only victims. Birds and rodents depend on roaches in their daily diet. Without roaches, these species could suffer considerable damage.
Then, the domino effect could kill off the meat-eating predators of birds and rodents, such as wolves, cats, and larger bird predators. Ultimately, humans also need roaches in a way you might not have seen in practice, but will soon enough.
According to Thestar, Chinese scientists have made profound advancements in understanding the proteins found in roaches. They've discovered that medicine derived from these insects can aid in healing damaged skin and the outer membranes of human organs. Roach farms even supply protein for livestock.
Despite how repulsive roaches may seem, they play a crucial role in sustaining our planet and enriching our soil. The disappearance of all roach species could disrupt the delicate balance of the environment. Of course, if you despise them too much, 'eliminating' a few wouldn't be a problem; a female roach can give birth to 300-400 roach offspring at once.
Source: What If
