What Do Cockroaches Eat?

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.

Cockroach Diet

Cockroaches eat what is available to them: cockroaches that inhabit sewers feed on sewage, while species living on dead trees consume decaying wood.

Cockroaches Eating

How Long Can a Cockroach Survive Without Food?

When left with no water, cockroaches can live days to a week. 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.

What Attracts Cockroaches?

Certain species of cockroaches have adapted to human lifestyles and food sources. American cockroaches 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.