Cockroach Predators

Cockroaches have many natural predators, including toads, frogs, beetles, geckos and iguanas. Some parasitic wasp species will target cockroaches as well. These species lay their eggs inside the egg cases of cockroaches; hatchlings feed upon nearby cockroach eggs. Entomopathogenic fungi have also been identified as lethal to roaches, as their spores attach to insects and kill them within weeks. Cockroaches affected by fungi then pass the parasite on to other cockroaches.

Contact a pest control professional to select the most effective methods of pest control.

Largest Cockroach

Several cockroach species are considered giant. Of these, the most well known are the Madagascar hissing cockroaches and the rhinoceros cockroaches.
Madagascar hissing cockroaches (Gromphadorhina portentosa) are wingless and relatively slow moving. These nocturnal natives of Madagascar thrive on forest floors in rotting logs and feed on decaying organic matter. Hissing cockroaches grow up to over 7 cm in length from horn to antennae and can measure up to 2.5 cm wide. Unlike other species, the female hissing cockroach gives birth to live young. Males are aggressive and use their horns in combat with rival males. The hissing which characterizes this species is used in defense, mating, colony hierarchy and other communication.
Rhinoceros cockroaches(Macropanesthia rhinoceros), also known as giant burrowing cockroaches or litterbugs, are wingless, glossy, dark brown and stout-bodied. These cockroaches weigh more than 30 grams each and can exceed 8 centimeters in length. Native to Queensland, Australia, this species lives in deep burrows within the ground and consumes primarily dead leaves.
Most well-known cockroach pests measure less than 5 cm in length. American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) are approximately 4 cm long as adults; German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) measure 1.6 cm in length as adults. Asian cockroach adults (Blattella asahinai) grow up to 1.6 cm  in length, while Oriental cockroach adult females can be longer than 2.5 cm. Brown-banded cockroaches only grow to reach  1.3 cm in length, and smoky brown cockroaches grow up to 3.8 cm as adults.

Cockroach food

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.

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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.
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. 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 Orkin to learn about our customized approach to pest control and to discuss options for your home.

About Cockroaches

About Cockroaches

Cockroaches are often found in dark, warm and moist areas inside houses, hotels and restaurants. Some species also thrive in sewers or outdoors. Most cockroaches hide in dark, secluded areas by day. They can be found behind furniture and appliances, as well as under refrigerators and stoves and in cupboards or cabinets. They are capable of flattening themselves in order to fit into crevices between floorboards and walls. Roaches are most active at night, during which time they forage for food and mate.
Outdoor cockroaches in the northern United States enter a period of hibernation in winter, experiencing a suspended state of development in autumn. When spring arrives, they resume their activity.
Cockroaches are social insects that usually live in groups. Cockroaches emit pheromones that leave chemical odors in their feces and on their bodies. These pheromones serve as means of communication for the insects. The odor of the pheromone causes the roaches to cluster together in a harborage area. If you suspect cockroach activity, contact a pest control professional to discuss treatment options.