What do Cockroaches Eat

Cockroaches are insects that belong to the order Blattaria. There are approximately 4000 species of cockroaches. Some of the species are considered as pests. They are found in a variety of habitats, most commonly in tropical and subtropical climates. There are about 30 species, associated with human habitations. Cockroaches generally like warm, moist environment with abundant food.

Well, what do cockroaches eat? Cockroaches are usually omnivores, except the wood-eating genus Cryptocercus. They feed mostly on dead or immobile things. Cockroaches prefer food sources such as sweets, cheese, meat products, starches and grease. They also feed on plants, vegetables and fruits. They eat almost any type of food, including household items such as leather, beer, glue, flakes of dried skin, starch in book bindings or decaying organic matter of animals or plants. Cockroaches also eat kitchen crumbs, paper, human dander, shelf paper backing and much more.

Cockroaches can digest a wide variety of substances, as their digestive system consists of a variety of protozoa and bacteria. Cockroaches are nocturnal feeders. They are quite active at night. During the daytime, they hide in the wall cavities, roof voids, sub-floors, crevices and cracks in the kitchen and bathroom. Cockroaches contaminate food and cause the spread of various diseases such as cholera, dysentery, tuberculosis, typhoid and leprosy. Hence, it is very important to keep your surroundings clean.