Cockroaches

These insects seem to be found in every part of the world, and they are tenacious. There are 3,500 types of cockroaches, and they can be divided roughly into urban types, that live exclusively indoors, and outdoor types, that breed and survive outdoors in tropical regions, but which often move indoors when conditions are favorable. The four types associated with damage to library materials: the American cockroach, the Australian cockroach, the Oriental cockroach, and the German cockroach. All four species have large mouth parts and a fondness for starch, thus book cloth and paper are especially vulnerable. Cockroach damage can be recognized by multiple light patches on book cloth surfaces—sometimes down to the thread—and ragged edges on paper leaves. Cockroach droppings can also be detected in the feeding area in the form of pellets.

The American cockroach (Periplaneta Americana) hides in dark areas during the day and emerges at night. This species regurgitates a sexual attractant in the form of a brown liquid (atar), often seen on library materials. Approximately 40 millimeters in length, it is reddish brown. It is largely an indoor insect, preferring moist, warm areas.

The Australian cockroach (Periplaneta Australsiae), smaller than the American, has light or yellow markings on its thorax and wingtips. Commonly found in moist tropical areas, this insect can live inside.

The Oriental cockroach (Blata Orientalis), also known as the water bug, is large and dark brown or black. It prefers cooler moist areas such as drains and inhabits the lower floors of buildings.

 

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