Different kinds of the odious in
sect pests known as roaches infest
houses, but they agree in similar
habits since all are closely related.
Fortunately, however, no two species
will live together in harrmony, and
the weaker ones apparently have tc
give way to the stronger form. Be.
ing provided with strong spiny legs,
these insects are well fitted for run
ning, and the flattened body allows
them to crawl into cracks and cre
vices.
They prefer to hide during day
time and do their prowling at night.
Most any sort of food attracts them,
and the vile odor and pollution whitch
they cause make their presence very
objectionable in places where cooking
and baking is done or the prepared
products of the kitchen and bakery
are kept in store. Books are fre
quently marred by these pests, as
they are fond of starch and al.
buminous polish of bindings.
Only one of our house-infesting
species is a native of America,i and
this is a large-winged roach which
thrives best in warm places. Among
those that have been introduced is
the rather small but notorious Ger
man pest which has become widely
known as the Croton water bug. This
name was given to it on account of
its prevalence in New York citya.at
the time when the Croton system of
waterworks was being completed.
The pest then followed the exten
sion of pipes into buildings, being
attracted to damp places. Although
it has wings, it rarely attempts to
fly.
The species that is called "black
beetle" in England is known in our
"., ntry as the cockroach. Only the
males of this form have perfect
wings.
