Killing cockroaches is hard, as these insects seem immortal. If you starve these bugs, they can still survive for three months without food and up to 30 days without water.
Roaches are adept at living without essential resources for long. But how do they do it?
Unlike most insects, roaches have a unique mechanism to deal with difficult situations. They are cold-blooded, adaptable, and know how to find the best hiding spots. These pests live in dark and damp places and, worst of all, can eat everything.
If you have a roach problem, know that you’re in a long fight. So let’s learn about some ways you can keep cockroaches from accessing water and food.
How Many Days Can Cockroaches Live Without Food?
Roaches can live up to 3 months without food. These pesky bugs are cold-blooded, so they can adjust their body temperatures according to their environment. Since these bugs don’t rely on food to produce body heat, they can survive without food for longer periods.
This period is valid for most cockroaches, including the American, Oriental, and notorious German roaches.
What Do Roaches Eat?
Cockroaches are omnivorous hunters. These nudniks can eat almost any organic matter accessible. But like humans, they do have a list of favorite food items. When they move to a new space, they prefer to munch on the same foods humans like.
These foods include:
- Starches
- Sweets
- Animal proteins
- Cheese
- Greasy items
- Fermented foods
If roaches can’t find their ideal foods on the menu, they can satisfy their hunger by feeding on other organic foods. For instance, some great food sources for cockroaches include:
- Paper
- Bookbindings
- Glue
- Animal skin
- Dead insects
- Fingernails
- Hair
When roaches become extremely hungry, they may eat their dead peers too.
How Long Can Cockroaches Live Without Water?
Roaches can survive without water for nearly a month. These insects thrive in damp areas that have easy access to water. That’s why you spot cockroaches scattering around sinks and water leaks.
They do not need plenty of water to stay alive. Instead, only a few drops of water are enough to quench the thirst of a dozen roaches.
But how can roaches live up to 30 days without water?
As mentioned earlier, roaches are cold-blooded insects. So, they retain their body fluids by adjusting their body temperatures.
Can You Keep Roaches Away From Water and Food?
No, you can not practically deprive cockroaches of food and water. That’s because they can feed and drink most organic substances, but you can reduce their access to food and water. This may encourage the bugs to leave your home searching for water and food.
Try following these tips:
- Keep your trash cans covered
- Dispose of garbage regularly
- Sweep your floor and vacuum carpets often
- Throw away leftovers
- Store food in sealed and airtight containers
To keep cockroaches from accessing water, you can follow these suggestions:
- Fix leaks and cracks
- Drain bathtubs and sinks
- Wipe water spills on kitchen and bathroom counters
- Check the water pan under your fridge
FAQs
Why Are There Roaches in My Room When There’s No Food?
You can find cockroaches in your room if your room has convenient access to water. For example, they may infest your room and bathrooms if they have leaked faucets and pipes. Moisture attracts roaches to live in your kitchen and laundry rooms.
Will Roaches Go Away If There is No Food?
Roaches can go aways if they can not find enough food for their growing population. However, this can not happen overnight as cockroaches can survive on almost anything for as long as approximately three months.
How Long Can a Cockroach Survive Trapped?
Cockroaches can survive being trapped for nearly 3 to 5 days. If you trap these bugs in an airtight plastic bag, the insect will use its special respiratory system and process oxygen efficiently.
Conclusion
Cockroaches are adept at surviving extreme conditions. These bugs can:
- Maintain their body temperature according to their surroundings
- Live without food for almost three months
- Survive without water for up to 30 days
- Eat any organic matter, including starches, grease, animal skin, etc.
- Stay alive by drinking a few drops of water
If you have a roach problem, you should reduce these bugs’ access to water and food. You can do this by cleaning your house, disposing of garbage, and repairing water leaks.