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Science & Nature • Insects

Cockroach

Cockroaches are a group of insects in the order Blattodea, known for their flattened bodies, long antennae, and ability to live in a wide range of environments.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Cockroaches are a group of insects in the order Blattodea, known for their flattened bodies, long antennae, and ability to live in a wide range of environments. Most species are not household pests, but a few common species live near people and can contaminate food and trigger allergies. In Canada, cockroaches are a common indoor pest in homes and apartments, especially in multi-unit buildings and warm, humid areas.

Biology

Cockroaches are insects in the order Blattodea. They have flattened bodies, long antennae, and are adapted for running and hiding in narrow spaces. Their life cycle includes egg, nymph, and adult stages, and they are mostly nocturnal.

Diet and feeding

Cockroaches are omnivores and opportunistic feeders. They consume plants, decaying organic matter, food crumbs, grease, starches, and other organic materials when available.

Human interaction

A small number of species are household pests and may enter buildings to find food, water, and shelter. They often hide in dark cracks, behind furniture, and near kitchens or plumbing. Cockroaches can be associated with food contamination and allergic reactions in humans.

Pest control

Reducing access to food, water, and shelter is central to cockroach control. Common measures include cleaning spills, storing food securely, fixing leaks, sealing gaps, and using traps or professional treatment when needed. Sanitation, removing food and water sources, sealing entry points, and reducing hiding places are key steps.

Key facts

  • Cockroaches are omnivorous scavengers and can eat many kinds of organic material, including food scraps, grease, and decaying matter.
  • Some species enter homes to find food, water, shelter, and warm hiding places such as cracks, clutter, and areas behind appliances.
  • Control usually focuses on sanitation, removing food and water sources, sealing entry points, and reducing hiding places.
  • Cockroaches can be associated with food contamination and allergic reactions in humans.
  • Different species vary widely in lifespan; some common household species can live for weeks to months depending on access to food and water.
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Canadian context

Cockroaches are a common indoor pest in Canadian homes and apartments, especially in multi-unit buildings and warm, humid areas where food, water, and shelter are available.

Frequently asked questions

What do cockroaches eat?
Cockroaches are omnivorous scavengers that eat many organic materials, including crumbs, grease, starches, meats, plant matter, decaying material, and sometimes cardboard, glue, hair, or feces.
How to get rid of cockroaches?
The main steps are to remove food and water sources, clean up crumbs and spills, store food in sealed containers, fix leaks, reduce clutter, seal cracks, and use traps or professional pest control for larger infestations.
Are cockroaches dangerous?
Cockroaches are not typically dangerous in the sense of attacking people, but some species can contaminate food and are linked with allergic reactions. They may also carry microbes on their bodies.
Why do cockroaches come inside?
Cockroaches come indoors mainly to find food, water, warmth, and shelter. They often hide in dark crevices and move toward kitchens, bathrooms, and other humid areas.
How long do cockroaches live?
Lifespan varies by species. Some common household cockroaches can survive weeks without food if water is available, while species-level lifespans can range from several weeks to many months.

References

  1. EarthKind — https://www.earthkind.com/blogs/blogs/what-do-cockroaches-eat
    Supports: Cockroach diet, attraction to homes, prevention measures.
  2. Orkin — https://www.orkin.com/pests/cockroaches/cockroach-food
    Supports: Cockroach diet, indoor hiding places, survival without food and water.
  3. Raid — https://www.raid.com/en-us/education/bug-basics/what-do-cockroaches-eat
    Supports: Omnivorous diet, common foods, survival without food and water.
  4. PestWorld for Kids — https://www.pestworldforkids.org/pest-info/bug-articles-by-type/what-do-cockroaches-eat/
    Supports: Diet, favorite foods, attraction to kitchens, survival without food and water.
  5. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockroach
    Supports: General statement that cockroaches can passively transport microbes and are linked with allergic reactions.