Do Cockroaches Eat Bed Bugs?

The ultimate guide on whether or not cockroaches consume bed bugs.

Cockroaches and bed bugs. We’d go as far as to say they are likely two of the most unappealing insects on the planet, right? They invade your space, bed bugs bite, cockroaches smell, and neither are particularly hygienic. We could really do without them.

Depending on which of the pair you consider to be the lesser of two evils, there is a myth out there that they could help you out in some capacity. The myth? That cockroaches eat bed bugs.

But is that really true?

Read on for the ultimate guide which will answer the question, do cockroaches eat bed bugs?

Will a cockroach feed on a bed bug?

We’re going to be delving right into the big question and attempting to provide you with an answer straight away, today. Will a cockroach feed on a bed bug?

Well, the answer is basically yes. If you know anything about cockroaches, we’re sure you’ll be aware that they eat practically anything and everything.

Considering that cockroaches will happily snack on:

• Garbage.
• Waste food.
• Ants.
• Tiny insects.
• Spiders.
• Even other roaches!

it won’t surprise you to hear that it’s pretty common for them to consume tiny bed bugs, which are typically the same size as an apple seed.

 Can Cockroaches and Bed Bugs Live in the Same Home?

Considering that cockroaches eat pretty much anything – and that includes bed bugs – it is highly unlikely for the two to exist together in a one single ecosystem.

It is, however, possible for a house to have both infestations at the same time, so long as the pests are infesting different areas of the home.

Roaches can pretty much survive anywhere where they can find something to eat, whereas bed bugs colonies need to find places in which they aren’t in danger, and there are humans to feed on in close proximity.

That is how they can both survive in the same home.

 Is It Possible to Get Rid of a Bed Bug Infestation Using Cockroaches?

Last of all, but by no means least, we highly doubt you’ll want to try this at home, but it’s likely that it’s peaked your curiosity. Could cockroaches figuratively be used in order to get rid of a bed bug infestation?

Sure, cockroaches can and will eat – and consequently kill – bed bugs. However, it’s noteworthy that they will only actually do this until they have filled their stomachs.

Introducing a few cockroaches to a bed bug colony could be useful in aiding the getting rid of some bed bugs. However, it would be nigh on impossible for them to eradicate an entire colony of them.

Remember that bed bugs can reproduce quickly, and therefore their numbers can multiply – and fast! In just a few short days, their numbers can grow significantly.

In order to properly eradicate an entire bed bug colony, we would always advice seeking professional help from a pest exterminator. What starts off as a male – female pairing of bed bugs can multiply to hundreds in just a few short days, so acting with time as the essence is essential.

As well as seeking professional help, you could look online and in store at some sensible do it yourself options to set the wheels in motion. There are sprays, powders and foggers available which have been proven to work well on bed bug infestations.

If your infestation is a cockroach one, then we would always recommend calling in a pest professional. Remember, these little critters can survive a nuclear explosion!

Thanks for reading!