Can a Cockroach Live in Water?

Cockroaches are capable of living in water without a head, and they do not need a mouth to breathe. Instead, they breathe through small holes in their body segments. They can survive for up to a week without food and water, but eventually they would die of thirst. However, a cockroach can hold its breath for up to 40 minutes without water, and they can survive 30 minutes underwater without a mouth.

While cockroaches can live in water, they do not tolerate high temperatures. They must move to a cooler place if the temperature reaches 125 degrees Fahrenheit, or they will die. In fact, even 95 degrees Fahrenheit is too hot for them, and they will seek refuge in cooler locations, including water. In fact, one study at the University Of Nebraska-Lincoln in the United States found that cockroaches could be completely eradicated if air temperature was 115 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Despite being an unpleasant pest, cockroaches can survive in water for many hours. They are not great swimmers, but they are able to hold their breath for up to 40 minutes. They have no gills, which means they cannot filter water. Consequently, if you find a cockroach in water, try to wait a few minutes and remove it.

Another reason why roaches cannot live without water is that they require oxygen for breathing. Cockroaches are also poor swimmers, and they cannot survive at temperatures higher than 125 degrees Fahrenheit.