How Long Do Cockroaches Live Without Food?

How Long Do Cockroaches Live Without Food?

Cockroaches are very nasty insects that are very common in homes. They are pests that are extremely hardy and cold-blooded. You wonder how long cockroaches live without food. As they are so resistant and adaptable, commonly, they can survive without food.

Cockroaches are omnivorous scavengers and can consume any food they find in their path. They generally prefer meats, sweets, starches, and spoiling materials.

These insects inhabit sewers and feed on sewage. Other species live on dead trees and can eat decomposed wood. Below you can learn a little more about what cockroaches eat.

What do roaches eat?

As mentioned above, cockroaches are omnivorous, and their preferred food will depend on the species. They are household insects that are known to eat anything they come across. Some species prefer starches and sweets, and others prefer fats and proteins.

They can also eat waste and decomposed materials.

The lifespan of The Cockroaches

A female German cockroach can lay between 20 and 40 eggs, and they have an incubation rate of 28 days. This species goes through 6 or 7 instars before becoming adults. The lifespan of both male and female German cockroaches is less than 200 days.

The American cockroach is a larger cockroach that can infest your home. The female can lay up to 16 eggs simultaneously, and her incubation period is 44 days.

It takes between 10 and 13 instars before becoming adults and can live up to 362 days. The female American cockroach can live up to 700 days.

The lifespan of a cockroach will depend on the environment, diet, and other factors. When they have favorable conditions, they can have higher population growth. When conditions are not right, adult cockroaches can die prematurely or develop more slowly.

Also Read: How to Get Rid of Cockroaches In Kitchen Cabinets

How long do cockroaches live without food?

How long do cockroaches live without food? Many people ask this question, and below, you will find what you need to know. Cockroaches can live without food for up to a month. This is possible because they are cold-blooded insects. But without water, they can only survive a week.

As they need water, they always seek to be near humid areas in their house, such as bathrooms, basements, etc. They are creatures that are very adaptable and can survive many things. That is why it is very difficult to eliminate a roach infestation.

When food is not available, insects and cold-blooded animals such as cockroaches keep their body temperatures as low as possible. In this way, they conserve their energy and allow them to go long periods without food.

Seal your food, and clean your house constantly. Also, seal any cracks and holes you have in your home. Avoid accumulation of trash or crumbs on the kitchen surface.

You should also check the entry points for pipes and utilities because they can serve as entry points for these pests. Use roach baits so that you can get rid of them effectively. Baits come in the form of powders, gel, etc. They can take 2-3 days to take effect and kill the roaches.

For you to control or eliminate a roach infestation, you should seek professional help. Keep your home roaches free for health, hygiene, and safety reasons.

Author Ana