What does it mean for cockroaches to be classified as peridomestic?

When cockroaches are classified as peridomestic, it indicates that most species primarily inhabit outdoor environments but frequently enter human dwellings, usually to find food or shelter. This classification signifies that these pests are not exclusively indoor insects; instead, their presence is closely linked to their outdoor habitats where they thrive in various conditions, such as gardens, sewers, and trash piles. The behavior of entering homes is often driven by the search for food resources, especially in urban settings where food waste is prevalent.

The other options reflect different traits of cockroaches that do not align with the definition of being peridomestic. For instance, stating that they only live inside homes would inaccurately represent their habitat preferences, and indicating that they are primarily found in commercial areas limits the understanding of their broader peridomestic nature. Lastly, suggesting they are migratory and move frequently does not capture the essential characteristic of their tendency to utilize human habitats as part of their feeding behavior rather than being a reflection of a migratory lifestyle.