Cockroaches are resilient pests, able to survive in harsh conditions that many other creatures cannot tolerate. They are omnivorous scavengers and can consume a variety of organic materials, including many types of food, paper, and even materials such as glue and soap.
When it comes to surviving without food, different species of cockroaches can withstand starvation for varying lengths of time. As a general rule, a cockroach can live approximately one month without food.
The common German cockroach (Blattella germanica), for example, is typically able to survive about two weeks to a month without food. The larger American cockroach (Periplaneta americana), on the other hand, can endure starvation for approximately a month. However, these estimations can be affected by a variety of factors, including the cockroach’s overall health and the ambient temperature.
It's also important to note that while cockroaches can survive for a relatively long time without food, they cannot live nearly as long without water. Cockroaches can die of dehydration in as little as one week. This is one reason why they are often found in damp environments, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
That said, these survival capabilities are part of what allows cockroaches to be such successful pests, and why they can be difficult to eradicate once they have infested a home or other building. To fully address a cockroach problem, it is often necessary to employ various strategies, including eliminating food and water sources, sealing entry points, and using traps or pesticides. Consulting with a pest control professional is often the most effective course of action.