How Can a Cockroach Eat Wood?

Wood roaches aren’t as harmful as you may think. While they tend to prefer decaying wood as their preferred food source, they’re still a nuisance that you need to deal with before an infestation takes hold. These creatures can spread contaminates, so it’s crucial to eliminate them before an infestation even starts.

Wood-eating cockroaches are common in the wild, and they can even be found inside your home. In addition to wood, they also eat fruit and glass. In fact, glass is a better choice for storing food in, since it is less likely to attract cockroaches.

Wood-eating cockroaches are typically attracted to decayed wood and bark. Fallen trees can also serve as habitats for wood-eating roaches, so keep firewood and wood siding out of reach of the house. You should also keep outdoor lighting away from the home. Avoid using yellow or sodium vapor lighting, because these light sources aren’t as appealing to wood roaches. Wood piles should also be stored at least a few feet from the house. Cracks and small openings in walls, screens, and doors are common entry points for wood roaches.

Female wood roaches prefer the loose bark of dead trees, which provides protection from predators. They don’t typically infest indoors, but they can sneak in through windows and crawl under doors. The male wood roaches can also enter buildings, but they generally don’t live in them for long.