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Cockroach Food

Cockroaches are omnivorous scavengers and will consume any organic food source available to them. Although they prefer sweets, meats and starches, they are also known to consume other items such as hair, books and decaying matter. Cockroaches eat what is available to them: cockroaches that inhabit sewers feed on sewage, while species living on dead trees consume decaying wood. 

When left with no food or water, cockroaches can live from five days, as exhibited by the Blattela Vega, to 45 days, as exhibited by the Periplaneta Americana. When given water but deprived of food, some cockroaches can survive for months at a time. However, they will perish more quickly if given dry food but deprived of water. 

Certain species of cockroach have adapted to human lifestyles and food sources. The American cockroach can be found in food storage and preparation areas within human dwellings. They are also commonly found in kitchens, restaurants and grocery stores. They prefer moist locations within these structures and will infest basements during winter. Inside, cockroaches hide in cracks and behind furniture, venturing out to scavenge for food at night. During winter, outdoor species also infest indoor structures in search of warmth and moisture. Contact your local pest control professional to discuss extermination options.

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