Why Does a Cockroach Die When Put in Water?

Roaches are known for their amazing ability to survive submersion in water. Their bodies have holes in them that allow them to breathe and keep themselves from drowning. If put in water, roaches can last for up to 30 minutes before the air they breathe escapes and floats to the surface. When put in water, roaches may scramble to the surface and pretend to be dead, but they will not actually drown unless they are suffocated or severely injured.

Cockroaches are able to survive by rolling on their backs during times of threat and then rolling back onto their feet once they feel safe. However, this behavior is accompanied by a short lapse in memory, which is why they appear dead after just 30 minutes in water. In fact, an experiment by Mythbusters questioned whether a cockroach can drown and found that it can be saved.

The temperature of the water is also one of the factors that cause a cockroach to die. If the water is too hot, a cockroach’s spiracles will close and it will try to swim up to the surface to breathe. But if it is too cold, the water can also kill it.

Because cockroaches are nocturnal, they live in dark, moist environments. If you see a cockroach during the day, it is probably a sign of an infestation.