COCKROACHES 127 



HABITS 



Like the bedbug, the cockroach generally remains hidden 

 during the daytime while the occupants of the buildings 

 are actively about. When the kitchen and pantry are 

 deserted and dark, these insects come forth to forage. 

 If one comes into the kitchen suddenly and turns on the 

 light, the roaches will be seen scampering away in every 

 direction. So abundant do they sometimes become that 

 they actually may be heard rustling over the floors as 

 they scurry away. They prefer warm kitchens, baker- 

 ies, and pantries, where there are usually water pipes, 

 warmth, and food. The croton-bug seems to come with 

 the advent of waterworks. Many inhabitants of Southern 

 towns never saw a croton-bug until within the last few 

 years, during which so many of the progressive towns have 

 installed systems of water supplies. Dozens of inquiries 

 have come to us regarding the little roach which had 

 never been seen until the bathroom fixtures had been 

 installed and the kitchen fitted with water pipes. 



The flat, thin bodies of roaches fit them admirably for 

 crawling into cracks, behind baseboards, window casings, 

 shelves, and other obstructions. It is in such places that 

 they hide away during the day. Moreover, the protection 

 afforded by these retreats is very effective, for it is exceed- 

 ingly difficult to inject anything into these cracks and 

 crannies with sufficient force or in sufficient quantity to 

 actually hit and kill the roaches. The dark, sometimes 

 almost black, color of roaches affords them protection on 

 their nocturnal foraging expeditions. There are certain 

 redeeming traits in the habits of cockroaches that atone 

 a little for their offenses. They have biting mouth parts, 



