Question: how can cockroachs survive everything?

Ceri-Wyn Thomas answered on 20 Jun 2010:

They can survive an awful lot apparently! They are one of the oldest insect species on Earth and their resistance to the rigours of life in the wild are pretty high. They have a tough exosleketon and can survive falling from a great height (although that’s true of lots of insects since they’re so small and light). They can withstand temperature extremes too. Could they survive a nuclear blast? Who knows- I don’t want to ever find out! They’re also highly fecund (this means they produce LOADS of eggs and therefore lots of offspring) so it’s difficult to wipe out a whole population in one go since the eggs are pretty tough too! I think they’re vulnerable to certain chemicals though- like we all are! I’m glad that they’re capable of sticking around though- I think they’re really cute!