The reason is surprisingly scientific. Human skin is coated with oils, sweat, and sometimes lotions. When a cockroach touches a person, these substances stick to its antennae. These antennae are critical sensory organs that help the insect navigate, find food, and detect predators.
When human residues coat their antennae, the cockroaches’ chemical sensors are disrupted. This leaves them temporarily disoriented, making them vulnerable in their environment.
In response, they engage in intensive grooming using their legs and mouthparts. This clears their antennae and body surfaces, restoring their senses so they can move safely again.
Interestingly, this behavior isn’t about disgust. Researchers emphasize that grooming is an evolutionary survival tactic. By keeping their antennae clean, cockroaches maintain their ability to sense danger and locate resources efficiently.Read The Complete Original.
