Have you ever wondered why God would create a cockroach? What was He thinking? They are nasty looking and reproduce at an alarming rate. How many millions of dollars are spent each year trying to eradicate these insects? They’re still here, there, and everywhere! They’d probably survive a nuclear disaster more readily than any other creature on earth – including humans. Is there anything good about these much-loathed bugs?
Well, actually…
Those of us who are concerned about the environment (and who isn’t these days?) will appreciate these little recycling experts for gobbling up anything from dead animals and plants to animal waste. Their digestive system converts garbage into rich, easily absorbed nutrients that help plants grow. They excrete nitrogen-rich “fertilizer” that is beneficial to our forests.
With 4500 species, we’re not going to get rid of them. So why not harness a few and make them first responders? Yep. The North Carolina State University is putting little backpacks equipped with antenna, camera, etc. and tapping into their nervous system to send them into earthquake rubble in search of survivors. How’s that for an amazing idea? Where human and canine first responders can’t go, send in a cockroach!
The Chinese farm cockroaches for pharmaceuticals and beauty products. (Say what?!) The insects are protein-rich and are processed to feed poultry. Some cockroaches are used as janitorial staff to clean up waste. Check it out. It’s a growing market! Anyone want to invest in a cockroach farm?
Cockroaches have natural antibodies that make it possible for them to thrive in filth that would sicken us and other animals. Research is going on to find out if those antibodies might be helpful in fighting antibiotic-resistant infections like MRSA.
When God finished His creation, He looked it over and said, “It is good.” And that creation included cockroaches. Remember, just because something is ugly and lives in places we try to avoid doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a beautiful, God-given purpose.