How Do Cockroaches Survive in the Cold?
In the cold, cockroaches enter a state of diapause, a type of hibernation. This slows their metabolic rate and prevents them from growing. However, if the environment is warm enough, cockroaches can stay active and continue to breed and feed. This allows them to survive the cold season.
As temperatures decrease, cockroaches will try to find a warm place to spend the winter. Because freezing temperatures can kill their internal organs, cockroaches will seek shelter. They will go in search of warm areas where they can stay until spring. Some common spots include garages, sheds, and spaces underneath piles of wood. However, cockroaches are most comfortable in their homes.
Although cockroaches are not warm-blooded, they do prefer warmer temperatures. In late fall and winter, they may become more active, as they look for places where they can stay warm. But if temperatures drop dramatically, they will most likely freeze. If the temperature drops by more than 15 degrees, they will freeze to death.
Cockroaches can survive in temperatures lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but they cannot reproduce at such temperatures. This is because they need time to adapt to the change in temperature. If you keep them in an airtight container, they will not be able to survive the cold.