How did the cockroach get its name?

The name cockroach comes from the Spanish term cucaracha, which derives from the Latin blatta, “an insect that shines the light.” It comes from the insect order Blattodea, which also includes termites. Cockroaches are an ancient bug, with fossils indicating they’ve been around for more than 200 million years.

Must Read

Are cockroaches really dirty?

Just how dirty are cockroaches? While cockroaches have been shown to transmit salmonella, staphylococcus and even leprosy, Dr Rentz says the dirtiness of a cockroach is entirely dependent on where it has been.