Your Burning Questions About Cockroaches, Answered (Because Apparently They’ve Survived Dinosaurs, Nukes, and Your Disgusted Screams)

Q: How long do cockroaches live?
A: Lifespan varies by species: German cockroaches live 100–200 days; others like American roaches survive up to 1–2 years.

Q: How do cockroaches get in the house?
A: They enter via cracks, pipes, vents, or hitchhike on bags, boxes, or used furniture.

Q: What do cockroaches hate?
A: Strong scents like peppermint oil, bay leaves, and citrus. Cleanliness also deters them.

Q: Why do cockroaches die on their back?
A: Their rounded back and legs make it hard to right themselves; insecticides cause muscle spasms that flip them.

Q: Can cockroaches survive a nuke?
A: They withstand higher radiation than humans, but a direct nuclear blast would kill them.

Q: Can cockroaches kill you?
A: Indirectly—they spread diseases (e.g., salmonella) and trigger severe allergies/asthma.

Q: Can cockroaches bite you?
A: Yes, but rarely. Bites may occur in severe infestations, often targeting skin or nails.

Q: Can cockroaches survive the cold?
A: Most die below 15°F (-9°C), but some species survive indoors or in mild climates.

Q: Can cockroaches climb walls?
A: Yes! Their sticky foot pads and claws let them scale walls, glass, and ceilings.

Q: Will cockroaches crawl on you?
A: Rare unless infestations are severe. They might explore sleeping humans for food/moisture.

Q: Can cockroaches live in your ear?
A: Rare but possible. Never remove them yourself—seek medical assistance immediately.

Q: How long can cockroaches live without food?
A: Up to 1 month, but they die within a week without water.

Q: Will cockroaches come out in the light?
A: Mostly nocturnal, but overcrowding or disturbances may force them into daylight.

Q: How many cockroaches are born at a time?
A: Egg cases (oothecae) hold 10–50 eggs, depending on species (e.g., German: 30–40).

Q: How long have cockroaches been around?
A: Over 300 million years—older than dinosaurs!

Q: Where do cockroaches hide?
A: Dark, humid spots: under sinks, behind appliances, inside cracks, and near food sources.

Q: Will cockroaches eat bed bugs?
A: Unlikely. They prefer decaying matter but may eat bed bugs if starving.

Q: What do cockroaches look like?
A: Oval-shaped, flat, 6 legs, long antennae. Colors range from brown to reddish-black.

Q: Why do cockroaches come out at night?
A: They’re nocturnal to avoid predators and forage safely in the darkness.

Q: Can cockroaches breathe underwater?
A: No, but some hold their breath for 40 minutes and survive submerged temporarily.

Q: How many cockroaches are in one egg?
A: Each egg case contains multiple nymphs—German roaches have 30–40, American 14–16.

Q: Will cockroaches hurt you?
A: Not directly, but they spread germs and allergens. Bites are rare and non-venomous.

Q: Can cockroaches live in your private area?
A: While extremely rare, cockroaches can enter body cavities but don’t inhabit them. Seek medical help immediately if this occurs.

Q: Where do cockroaches come from?
A: Sewers, drains, outdoors, or neighboring infested homes.

Q: Can cockroaches swim?
A: They float and survive in water but don’t swim.

Q: What cockroaches fly?
A: American and Asian cockroaches can glide short distances; most household species cannot.

Q: Which cockroaches fly?
A: American, Asian, and Australian roaches. German roaches rarely fly.

Q: What do cockroaches eat?
A: Everything! Food scraps, glue, soap, paper, and even human hair.

Q: Will cockroaches bite?
A: Rarely, and only in extreme infestations. They’re not aggressive toward humans.

Q: Can cockroaches feel pain?
A: They react to harm, but scientists debate if they feel “pain” as humans do.

Q: Can cockroaches live in your pp?
A: Extremely unlikely. If suspected, seek medical care—do not attempt DIY removal.

Q: Where do cockroaches live?
A: Globally! They thrive in warm, humid areas near food and water sources.

Q: Can cockroaches make you sick?
A: Yes. They spread bacteria, contaminate food, and trigger allergies/asthma.

Need More Help? Explore our guides on [Proven Methods to Eliminate Cockroaches Quickly] and [Natural Cockroach Repellent: Safe, Effective Solutions to Keep Roaches Away] for a pest-free home.