When Does a Cockroach Die?

If you’ve ever wondered when does a cockroach die, you’re not alone. It’s a question asked by every entomologist, and one that can confuse even the most seasoned pest-control experts. But there’s some good news: cockroaches can be saved if you wash them with water.

Cockroaches can survive for long periods without eating. This makes them vulnerable to temperature changes. But unlike mammals, cockroaches can reduce their body temperature by holding their breath. They’re able to do so because they have metabolic functions that help them survive in less than ideal conditions. Even so, they still need energy to maintain these functions, so you can’t expect them to survive in extreme heat.

Cockroaches don’t drown easily, and they can survive 30 minutes or more underwater. In fact, they can survive even after decapitation. Even if you’re able to cut them off from their food source, their head will continue to move for a few hours. And while a cockroach may not move its entire body, its head will still respond to stimuli for a few weeks.

Cockroaches spend most of their time hiding. Typically, a fully grown cockroach can fit into a crevice about the size of a pen. This means that one roach out in the open could mean that there are dozens or even hundreds hiding in a wall. They use these dark spots to scavenge for food. They will feed on paper, hair, fingernails, and other materials.