Have you ever noticed that roaches usually fall on their back when they die?
Isn’t this weird?
For example, after coming in contact with your roach killers, you would’ve often seen that roaches turn upside down, on their back, while taking their last breath.
Does this always happen when they die, or is it related to a particular situation?
We were also very intrigued by all these questions, so we decided to do some digging and find answers.
Let’s get started.
Why Do Cockroaches Die Upside Down?
After the death of this insect, there’s less chance of bacteria, but you will be wondering why they die upside down.
Dying or dead insects pose similarly, i.e. lying on the back, legs sticking up in the air.
This is a symptom of the bug’s decreased coordination and failing nervous system.
Normally, if a bug is knocked out on its back, it can use its legs to rock on the sides till it rights itself.
However, if the bug won’t roll back onto its abdomen, it’s because it has become weak or because its nervous system isn’t functioning properly; it will remain stuck on its back.
Because the bug won’t get any nutrients and protect itself from predators or the elements when it’s not in this position, it soon dies if it can’t flip over.
When a cockroach dies of old age, its high centre of gravity gives it a pull back on the floor, and the weakened muscles and rounded back prevent it from righting itself, particularly on smooth surfaces.
Do All Roaches Die on Their Back?
There are different species of roaches worldwide, so it’s difficult to capture all of them.
So, it can be said that almost all the roach species die on their back, but there is no scientific proof for this.
Common Ways to Kill Roaches
Some of the ways which can be used to kill roaches quickly are:
- Boric acid
- Baking soda
- Neem
- Detergents
- Peppermint Oil
- Bay Leaves
These methods can repel and kill the roaches and make your environment a clean and healthy place to live.
But if there’s a serious infestation in your house, you might need professional help and call an exterminator.
Exterminate Roaches with Licensed Pest Control
Now that you know how roaches die, let’s discuss about what to do in case you spot some of these buggers alive, scurrying around your house.
In case of just a few roaches, we have plenty of alternatives to kill, repel and drive them away from your home, however in the rare case of a roach infestation, it’s always recommended to hire a professional exterminator to deal with them more permanently and effectively.
Final Words
In essence, it can be said that almost all cockroaches die on their back.
But there’s no proper result or scientific proof of this.
And since there are more than 4000 species of roaches, it is impossible to know whether they all die the same way.
Nonetheless, most of the cockroach species observed and scientifically tested did fall on their backs and die, hence proving the same.
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