How Cold Does It Have to Be For Cockroaches to Die?
Cockroaches can survive in almost any climate, with the exception of Antarctica, which has harsh winters and no warm places to hide from the elements. During these cold winters, roaches conserve energy by staying together in groups and moving to warmer areas. While some species can survive in a temperature below freezing, their metabolism is impaired and they will eventually die.
Although cockroaches cannot survive temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius, they can survive in temperatures as low as two degrees. These insects can also survive in temperatures of 20 degrees, but they prefer temperatures of 25 degrees and above. While temperatures above and below this range are not fatal to cockroaches, these temperatures are the ideal temperature range for them to survive and reproduce.
Because cockroaches prefer warm, humid climates, they do not have to suffer extreme cold. Cockroaches can survive as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit, but if they cannot find a suitable place to stay, they will most likely die.
The first step in preventing cockroaches from surviving cold weather is to prevent a breeding ground for the cockroaches. You can keep a warm place for them to survive in during the colder months, but it is important to note that the roaches need time to acclimatize to low temperatures. If they don’t, their metabolism will stop and their organs will be dry.