Updated on January 21st, 2025
Cockroaches are resilient creatures that belong to the insect order Blattodea, a group that has roamed the Earth for an extremely long time.
Despite our efforts to eradicate them, they have proven—time and time again—to be formidable adversaries, their various species adapting, surviving and continuing to find nourishment in the face of our most determined efforts.
What do roaches eat?
These omnivorous scavengers have quite an appetite and will feast on various delectable delights derived from the living world. They can devour almost anything, from food scraps and crumbs to small leftover morsels. Roaches have a particular fondness for carbohydrates—such as sugars, starches and grains—and anything sweet—particularly syrup, fruits or sugary treats—will capture their attention.
But don't be fooled, my friend, when asking, what do roaches eat—the answer is almost anything. Grease, oils, meats, vegetables and even decaying matter are all fair game for these resilient pests.
And, I must say with regret, it doesn't stop there. From cardboard boxes and book bindings to wallpaper glue and stamps, nothing seems to escape their discerning palates.
They take pleasure in the taste of leather, the richness of feces, the crunch of fingernails and the tangy flavor of toothpaste and soap. (Apologies for the details.) In their insatiable hunger, they will even devour their own cast-off skins and, dare I say, their fellow cockroaches. They have a very eclectic menu that showcases their remarkable adaptability and ingenious resourcefulness in the face of sustenance.
What specifically do different species of roaches eat?
While most roaches are opportunistic feeders and quick to capitalize on whatever sustenance they can find, some types have more specific dietary preferences. For example:
German cockroaches (Blattella germanica): Found in kitchens, they are drawn to starchy and sugary foods. Crumbs, leftover food and spilled beverages are irresistible temptations for these cockroaches.
American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana): Known for their adaptability, these roaches consume a variety of foods, including plant and animal matter. Outdoors, they thrive on decaying organic material, garbage and even pet food.
Oriental cockroaches (Blatta orientalis): Also called black cockroaches, these cockroaches thrive in damp environments like basements or crawl spaces. Their diet includes rotting vegetation and organic debris.
Brown-banded cockroaches (Supella longipalpa): Preferring starchy foods, these roaches often inhabit areas where dry, processed foods are stored. Pantry staples and cabinet shelves are prime targets for brown-banded cockroaches.
Who’s safe from the clutches of cockroaches?
Pursuing a sanctuary untouched by the relentless grasp of cockroaches may feel elusive. While these tenacious creatures can infiltrate many spaces in your home, their presence can be deterred by targeting the environments they find most appealing. Focus on these strategies to make your home less inviting:
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Maintain a clean household: Regular cleaning and proper sanitation practices will reduce the presence of enticing food sources that attract cockroaches. This includes sweeping and vacuuming floors daily to remove crumbs, wiping down countertops to eliminate food residue and washing dishes to prevent buildup. Deep cleaning of storage areas and regularly taking out trash also help minimize potential food sources.
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Seal your food storage: Knowing what roaches eat—including accessible pantry staples, storing food in airtight containers and properly sealing pantry items will create a formidable barrier against cockroach infiltration. By denying them access to readily available food sources, you make it more challenging for them to establish a foothold.
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Conduct regular maintenance and repairs: Ensuring that your home is free of cracks, gaps and crevices will minimize the entry points for roaches. Seal any potential entryways—such as gaps around pipes, windows and doors—to create a less inviting environment.
- Use Dr. Killigan’s non-toxic pest control solutions: An infestation does not need to be persistent or severe to take steps today. Combat your roach population, whether minute or explosive, and eliminate these resilient pests yourself with Dust to Dust Plant-Powered Insect Powder.
How do I use Dust to Dust to get rid of roaches?
Effectively applying Dust to Dust involves targeting areas where roaches are most likely to travel and hide, such as:
- Cracks and crevices: Apply along cracks and crevices in walls, baseboards and floors where roaches may enter or hide.
- Entry points: Puff near doors, windows and any other potential entry points for roaches.
- Kitchen cabinets: Disperse in the corners and crevices of kitchen cabinets, especially near areas where food is stored.
- Under appliances: Apply underneath appliances such as refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers where roaches often hide.
- Bathroom areas: Puff near sinks, toilets and drains, as roaches are attracted to moisture.
- Dark and hidden areas: Apply in dark and hidden areas such as behind furniture, in crawl spaces and in storage areas.
- Garbage and recycling bins: Disperse around garbage and recycling bins to deter roaches from accessing these food sources.
To provide an effective distribution of Dust to Dust and minimize potential messes, use the Insect Buster, the most efficient powder dispersal tool on the market.
Reapply Dust to Dust as needed, especially in high traffic areas or after heavy rainfalls (for outdoor applications). This product tends to stand out so it is relatively easy to see where it is and isn’t.
Take control of your home today—eliminate roaches effectively with Dust to Dust and protect your living spaces from future infestations. By understanding what roaches eat and targeting their hiding spots with Dust to Dust, you can eliminate these pests for good. With its targeted application and powerful results, Dust to Dust makes it easier than ever to reclaim your home from these resilient pests. Visit Dr. Killigan’s website to learn more and order your supply today.
