Cockroaches Emerge From Hiding Places
Cockroaches flee their hiding spots before earthquakes strike. San Francisco residents reported cockroaches swarming the streets before the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Their antennae and legs detect even minor vibrations or air pressure changes that precede disasters. This unusual visibility of normally hidden insects can spook urban dwellers into awareness. Pest control companies occasionally report strange cockroach behavior patterns before significant seismic events in major cities.