Diet for Cockroaches

There are over 3,000 known species of cockroaches and each species' diet depends on its location.

There are approximately 3,500 different species of cockroaches in the world. Though cockroaches are constantly scavenging for food, most species can go over 30 days without food and up to 14 days without water. Their diet depends on where they are located; certain cockroaches will eat almost anything that they find, including some man-made items. Cockroaches in the wild prefer to feed on decaying matter such as dead plants and animals.

American Cockroach

American cockroaches are located all across North America. They are not the most common type of cockroach found inside the home, but they have been known to go indoors. American cockroaches are usually a dark red-brown color and measure about 4 cm in length. The American cockroach is an omnivore and will eat almost anything. Though this species of cockroaches generally lives outside, it is known to venture indoors in search of food and moisture during dry and/or hot weather. When outdoors, the American cockroach prefers decaying plant and animal matter. When in the home, a cockroach will eat everything from groceries and toothpaste to wallpaper and glue. They have also been known to eat dead insects and even fabric.

German Cockroach

German cockroaches are found all over the world. This is the most common species of cockroach found indoors. They are usually dark brown and measure approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch in length. German cockroaches have a diet very similar to the American cockroach, but are more often drawn to sugary foods such as candies and sweets in the home. Like the American cockroach, the German cockroach is also known to eat household items such as toothpaste and wallpaper.

Oriental Cockroach

Oriental cockroaches measure about 1 inch in length and are either very dark brown or black in color. Despite their name, oriental cockroaches are actually native to Africa and have spread across the globe by way of trade ships. Oriental cockroaches are known by their foul odor, which they emit from their bodies. Oriental cockroaches prefer to feed on organic material, whether inside or outside the home, such as decaying food, carcasses, dead insects and decaying plants.

Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

Madagascar hissing cockroaches feed on berries and fruit at the forest floor.

Madagascar hissing cockroaches look very different from other cockroach species. These cockroaches have no wings, are larger than most other cockroaches, between 2 and 3 inches in length, and males often have horn-like structures on their head, according to National Geographic. Male Madagascar hissing cockroaches make a loud hissing noise when fighting with each other or during mating rituals, which is where the species gets its name. Madagascar hissing cockroaches do not dwell indoors like some other species of cockroach. In their natural habitat of Madagascar, they feed mostly on fruits and plant material found on the forest floor.

Surinam Cockroach

Surinam cockroaches are usually brown in color, with yellowish or off-white bands on the front part of their bodies. They are found in hot, humid climates, usually in North America. Surinam cockroaches are mainly herbivores and feed on decaying plants and live plants. They are considered pests because they often feed on crops and plants in gardens.

References

• University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences: American Cockroach
• Pest World for Kids: Cockroach
• National Geographic: Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
• Modern Pest Services: Surinam Cockroach
• Pesticide Education Resource: Cockroach Control Manual:

Resources

• University of Minnesota Extension: Cockroaches