How far can cockroaches follow their scent?

Question

If you had cockroaches in your home and put them outside a few blocks away, would they be able to "smell" their way back? Would they want to?

I ask because we have found a few cockroaches lately and my boyfriend insists on keeping them alive and just putting them outside. We live in Brooklyn in a 1st floor apartment.

Answer 1

If you have a few cockroaches, that means that you have many!!  You need to bug bomb the place.  Don't worry about them finding their way back, they don't have to.  Their progeny will take up where they left off.  And continue to breed and be happy at the home that you are providing for them.