There are a lot of cockroach myths out there, but some of them are true. For example, there are animals that eat cockroaches. But did you know the list of "what eats cockroaches" also includes some types of insects too?
Animals that eat roaches
Cockroach predators include mammals, avians, amphibians and other reptiles. For example, hedgehogs will eat roaches. Joining the roach à la mode dinner party are geckos, skinks and other species of lizards, frogs, turtles, some types of birds and even rats and mice. Lizards, which are reptiles, have even been known to chase down roaches when they come across them and are hungry for a snack.
Insects attack
There are also some insects that eat cockroaches. Certain species of spiders, for example, may prey on roaches. Some types of ants will eat roaches when they come across them in confined spaces. Because roaches move more quickly than ants, they are often able to escape, unless they are trapped and the ants can surround them. Types of ants that will consume cockroaches include the invasive red imported fire ant (RIFA), as well as other fire ants and Argentine ants (black sugar ants). Certain types of mites, roundworms and centipedes prey on cockroaches too.
There are species of parasitic wasps that lay their eggs inside the egg cases of certain cockroaches. When the wasps hatch, they eat the cockroach eggs and exit the egg case. These wasps are known to parasitize American, Oriental and brown-banded cockroaches, with the latter species of roaches being hit the hardest.
As you can see, "what eats roaches" is a pretty long list. However, odds are good that you don’t want these cockroach predators in your home either, nor should you depend on them for cockroach control. Proper cockroach identification is key to determining the best way to control an infestation in your home and do-it-yourself methods are not always effective. Don't risk it – call Terminix® today.
Animals that eat roaches
Cockroach predators include mammals, avians, amphibians and other reptiles. For example, hedgehogs will eat roaches. Joining the roach à la mode dinner party are geckos, skinks and other species of lizards, frogs, turtles, some types of birds and even rats and mice. Lizards, which are reptiles, have even been known to chase down roaches when they come across them and are hungry for a snack.
Insects attack
There are also some insects that eat cockroaches. Certain species of spiders, for example, may prey on roaches. Some types of ants will eat roaches when they come across them in confined spaces. Because roaches move more quickly than ants, they are often able to escape, unless they are trapped and the ants can surround them. Types of ants that will consume cockroaches include the invasive red imported fire ant (RIFA), as well as other fire ants and Argentine ants (black sugar ants). Certain types of mites, roundworms and centipedes prey on cockroaches too.
There are species of parasitic wasps that lay their eggs inside the egg cases of certain cockroaches. When the wasps hatch, they eat the cockroach eggs and exit the egg case. These wasps are known to parasitize American, Oriental and brown-banded cockroaches, with the latter species of roaches being hit the hardest.
As you can see, "what eats roaches" is a pretty long list. However, odds are good that you don’t want these cockroach predators in your home either, nor should you depend on them for cockroach control. Proper cockroach identification is key to determining the best way to control an infestation in your home and do-it-yourself methods are not always effective. Don't risk it – call Terminix® today.
