There isn't one specific country definitively known for having the absolute "least" cockroaches, but countries with very cold climates, like Iceland, and isolated polar regions, such as Antarctica, naturally have few or no cockroaches due to the harsh conditions that prevent their survival. In general, places far from the equator with cold winters, or extremely arid/cold environments, have fewer roaches compared to tropical or subtropical regions, with some post-Soviet countries even seeing recent decreases.
Iceland is one of the only countries in the world that does not have ants, cockroaches and an array of other creepy-crawlies, which locals should appreciate more! Discover our list of local blessings that are often taken for granted here: 10 Amazing Icelandic Things the Locals Take for Granted |...
Cockroaches hate strong scents like peppermint oil, eucalyptus, lavender, and citrus. These smells overwhelm their sensory receptors, making it difficult for them to locate food and shelter, which causes them to avoid treated areas, but they do not kill roaches.
The largest cockroach in the world by length and wingspan is Megaloblatta longipennis. It can reach up to 3.8 inches long, 1.75 inches wide, and has a wingspan of up to 8 inches. That's enough body length to cover the average adult's palm. This monster roach is native to Peru, Panama, and Ecuador.
Iceland and Ireland are countries that has no mosquitoes, snakes or other reptile at all. Not even one, not even in their zoos. Oluwanishola Akeju.
While mosquitoes are found on nearly every continent, one country has managed to remain remarkably mosquito-free: Iceland.
You shouldn't squish a cockroach because it spreads harmful bacteria, releases pheromones that attract more roaches, and creates a messy, smelly stain, potentially triggering allergies or asthma, with better, cleaner options like traps or professional pest control available for proper management.
Cockroaches are the top pest in Manila and Dubai, and in the top five in Singapore, Barcelona and Middletown (US).
Roaches hate strong, pungent smells that disrupt their senses, like peppermint oil, eucalyptus, citronella, lavender, citrus (lemon/orange), bay leaves, and coffee grounds, with essential oils and spices being common deterrents that overpower their antennae, though these usually require professional extermination for serious infestations.
Dependence on Water. Of all their needs, a cockroach's reliance on water is perhaps its most significant vulnerability. While a cockroach can live for up to a month without food, it can only survive for about a week without water. This makes moisture control a critical component of any effective pest control plan.
To get rid of 100% of roaches, you need a multi-pronged attack: deep cleaning (remove food/water), sealing entry points, and using baits/dusts like boric acid or diatomaceous earth, plus professional help for severe cases. Focus on eliminating food sources, sealing cracks, and applying baits strategically in hidden spots, repeating treatments and maintaining cleanliness for long-term control.
It's a fact that cockroaches are afraid of humans and other mammals or animals that are bigger than them. They see us as predators and that fear triggers their instinct to scatter away. However, they dislike strong and distinctive scents such as citrus, peppermint, lavender and vinegar.
Seeing one cockroach in your home does not necessarily mean you have a full-blown infestation, but it can be a sign of a potential problem. You see, roaches can be difficult to spot because they are primarily nocturnal and avoid encounters with humans.
China. China remains one of the highest consumers of exotic foods in the world, and cockroaches are no exception. China is the number one consumer of cockroaches on the planet. Because of its smaller size, it is most often served as a snack or topping to a lacking dish.
Without further ado, here are the top 20 most roach infested cities according to the American Housing Survey.
Mosquitoes: They bite and buzz and suck your blood. If you hate them, you can move indoors for a temporary escape, but if you really hate mosquitoes, you'll have to move — and we mean really far away. There are only two places in the world that are completely and utterly mosquito-free: Antarctica and Iceland.
Borax. Borax is a common cleaning agent sometimes used as a DIY roach killer. When ingested, it can be toxic to roaches.
Leaving the light on doesn't deter cockroaches effectively because they can navigate in low-light conditions. While they're mostly active at night, they may still come out in search of food or water. During the day, cockroaches hide in dark areas not directly exposed to light.
Rosemary oil was the most toxic oil against S. longipalpa because it caused 100% mortality of the cockroach nymphs at all concentrations (Table 1). The next most effective oils were oregano and eucalyptus oils because they killed 100% of the nymphs at the concentration range of 5–30%.
Megaloblatta longipennis is a species of cockroach in the family Ectobiidae. It is the world's largest cockroach by length and wingspan. It is native to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; although its range sometimes is reported to extend into Panama; this is based on misidentifications of the closely related and similar M.
They seek out food sources like crumbs, uncovered food, dirty dishes, and garbage, while also being drawn to unsealed pantry items. Moisture from leaky pipes, faucets, or wet surfaces provides them with the water they need to survive. Cluttered areas and cracks in walls or doors offer shelter and hiding spots.
You can significantly reduce or eliminate roaches through a combination of extreme sanitation, moisture control, and effective treatments like baits, powders (boric acid/diatomaceous earth), and growth regulators, but 100% elimination, especially in large infestations or multi-unit buildings, often requires professional pest control because they reproduce rapidly and hide well. The key is denying them food, water, and shelter, using targeted products like gel baits to kill the colony, and sealing entry points.
Most roaches will be killed by vacuuming, but it's a good idea to change the vac- uum cleaner bag often and dispose of it in a double garbage bag. KEEP THEM OUT. Place screens (insect mesh) in windows. Vacuum (or sweep), then sponge mop kitchen floor every week.
Follow Up Fact Hub Cockroaches are so repulsed by humans that if they're touched by a human, not only do they ran away but also wash themselves.