Cockroaches are one of the oldest of insects - there are fossil remains of them dating back 200,000,000 years. They have survived such a long time because they have demonstrated outstan- ding ability to adapt to a wide range of habitats.
Cockroaches feed on a variety of foods, with a preference for starchy and sugary material.
They will also feed freely on book bindings, sizing, innerlinings of shoe soles and dead insects. They carry debris on their legs and bodies and may spread germs and contam- inate food. Cockroaches also give off an offensive odor that may ruin food, or may persist on dishes or other items the roaches run over. There are four types of house-infesting roaches that are commonly seen in New York State. Cockroaches have a broad, flattend shape and six long spiny legs.