Some cockroach species produce detectable sounds, particularly at night when they are most active. While often subtle, these sounds vary from incidental movement noises to intentional communication signals.
The Sounds Roaches Make
Cockroaches produce a variety of sounds, with the most common being rustling or scuttling noises. These occur as they move quickly, often when disturbed or foraging for food, and are typically heard as soft scratching or pitter-patter sounds. These subtle noises become more noticeable in quiet environments.
Beyond movement, some species generate more specific sounds. Certain species, like the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, produce a distinct hissing sound by forcibly expelling air through specialized respiratory openings called spiracles on their abdomen. Other less common sounds include clicking or chirping, which some species create through stridulation. This involves rubbing body parts together, such as the pronotum against wing veins or legs against the abdomen, similar to how crickets chirp.
Why Roaches Produce Noise
The sounds cockroaches make serve various biological and behavioral purposes. Rustling and scuttling noises are primarily a byproduct of their nocturnal activity as they navigate their environment, search for food, or attempt to scurry away from perceived threats. This movement is especially noticeable in the dark, as they are most active when predators are less of a threat.
More deliberate sounds, such as hissing, clicking, and chirping, often function as intentional forms of communication. Hissing sounds, particularly in the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, are used as a defense mechanism to startle predators. Males also employ them during aggressive encounters or as part of courtship and mating rituals. Chirping and clicking noises are frequently associated with mating, where males use these sounds to attract females. These communicative sounds can also serve as alarm signals, warning other roaches of danger or asserting territorial dominance.
Identifying Roach Sounds
Identifying cockroach sounds requires attention to context and location, as they are often subtle and easily mistaken for other household noises. These sounds are most likely to be heard in quiet, dark environments, emanating from hidden areas like inside walls, cabinets, or behind appliances. They are typically low in volume and not continuous.
If you suspect roach activity based on sounds, look for corroborating evidence. Associated clues include visible droppings, shed skins, or egg casings. A musty odor can also indicate a significant cockroach presence. While common household species typically do not make purposeful chirping or hissing noises, the sound of their movement, or the specific calls of less common species, can be a sign of their activity.