Can you imagine a world without rocks? Wouldn’t it be nice if you never, ever saw another? Would that be paradise? Actually no, I wouldn’t.
That? How could the absence of rocks be bad? Because these irritating, annoying, and frustrating creatures are critical to the environment, and without them, the world is out of balance.
These humble members of the food chain do so much for us that we are not aware of. We may think of cockroaches as nasty, disgusting pests as they scuttle around our clean kitchen. We yell as the lights come on and several darts are thrown around the floor for safety. But outside of our homes, cockroaches are paramount in the environment.
When a tree falls in the forest (and let’s say it makes a sound…), the decomposition process begins. Decomposition is very important to the rest of the environment, as it provides nesting sites for many arthropods, mammals, birds, etc. it also provides the necessary nutrients to the soil for future plants to grow. Lichens, moss, and a myriad of other microscopic creatures depend on the tree to slowly rot and provide all of these benefits.
Cockroaches are tremendously important in this process, as they are constantly cleaning up the debris of others. They are chewing on the droppings of mammals, the molted exoskeletons of insects, and any players dying in the course of decomposition. If the roaches weren’t here, decomposition would suffer, and the woods could be choked with debris that gets in the way of the correct process.
Then it’s okay. Roaches are fine in the woods, but not in my house! This is where most people would agree: cockroaches in the home is the reason people dislike them. They certainly are crafty little pests that will inhabit ANYTHING…
The solution with cockroaches then is to compartmentalize where we allow them without trying to eradicate the species. Since it is not necessary for a tree to decay inside your home, it is reasonable to keep roaches in their original natural habitat.
Most pest control products in use today are harsh, synthetic chemicals. They are often odorless, colorless, and last for weeks to continue killing each and every roach. Unfortunately, we as humans, along with our children and pets, are also continuously exposed to these poisons. Not a good solution, as treating roaches with these creates superbugs that are immune to everything.
Instead, using a natural ingredient from Nature to control roaches keeps them at bay while allowing them their rightful place in the world. Cedar will control cockroaches – keep them out of your home, yard, etc. by clearly saying “YOU ARE NOT WELCOME!” As opposed to the “I’m trying to kill every single one of you with the strongest, most toxic chemical possible” message.
None of us are suddenly going to like cockroaches. But respecting their place in the world and controlling them in a way that makes you happy without upsetting the balance of Nature is the BEST solution.