What are the cockroaches’ natural enemies/predators?

Cockroaches are an insect that are on earth for millions of years. With them, there is one myth also surrounding them that there exist animals that pray on roaches. Though this is true do you know what those animals that prey on cockroaches are?

They have been playing an important role in the ecosystem. Some predators prey on them and some die from natural reasons. If we consider indoors cockroaches mostly die from natural reasons. Mammals, beetles, spiders, reptiles, etc prey on cockroaches.

Few parasites also tend to target cockroaches. They lay their eggs in a roach egg shell to terminate them.

Animas that prey on roaches

Mammals and reptiles are major animals that devour lizards. Cockroaches are also snacks for birds, geckos, turtles, and spiders like animals and birds. Cockroaches move very fast and often escape easily but in some special cases, ants also prey on cockroaches. Mostly the ant species that attack roaches are fire ants.

However, cockroaches’ lifespan isn’t very high for them to become dinner for others. They mostly live inside houses, kitchens, restaurants, etc. places where cockroaches die out of natural reasons than becoming food for other animals or birds. But in a few cases to stay near the water they fall prey to silver fish and larvae.

There exist some parasites as well that lays their parasite wasp inside the cockroach egg shells. When the parasite hatches they eat the cockroach egg and leave the shell.

How to get rid of roaches?

If we talk about a direct solution no one solution can help you with getting rid of roaches. You have to use a combination of the solution to terminate them.

Prevention to save you

Food and water are two vital aspects that any pest including cockroaches looks for. If found them in your house they make your home theirs. Wipe out or vacuum all the water after using the kitchen and utensils. Also, vacuum or clean the food crumbs from the floor and near pet bowls.

Cockroaches often hide in dark spots and make their entrance from tiny spaces. Removing the hiding spots and sealing the entry points is an indirect way of stopping the roaches from entering your home.

Kill with bait and boric acid

Bait is the safest, most effective, and fastest solution to get rid of roaches. On the other hand, boric acid is a stomach poison that cockroaches can’t resist. And bait and boric acid needed to be consumed to work.

Boric acid bait can be prepared by mixing it with sugar to attract roaches to eat the bait. Boric acid is usually a safe substance to use but it can be toxic too if used in high amounts. Borax could be used as a replacement for boric acid.

Diatomaceous earth/ baking soda

Diatomaceous earth and baking soda are the natural ingredients that terminate the cockroach population from your house. Diatomaceous earth can be used directly to sprinkle on the infested area. On the other hand, baking soda can be used both ways directly or after making bait as well.

Note – to make baking soda bait mix it with sugar. Sugar will attract roaches to eat the bait.