ABSTRACT
Cockroaches are among the most important residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial pests today (see box). Several of the approximately 4000 species in the world have become adapted to living in human habitations (Table 16.1). These are sometimes referred to as domestic or domiciliary cockroach species, and they breed in homes, institutions, or industry, where they find food, water, shelter, and warmth. Being indoors, they can remain active throughout the year. They consume any human or animal food or beverage, as well as dead animal and plant materials, leather, glue, hair, wallpaper, fabrics, and the starch in bookbindings.
