Can cockroaches swim
You might know that roaches mostly live in humid areas. If they fall into the water, some can get out easily. While some try their best but don’t swim, so they might die there.
Scientists believe cockroaches lived on Earth 250 million years ago during the Carboniferous Period. It is evaluated that there are more than 4,500 species of cockroaches across the globe. Many myths about this insect have developed over the years, including that cockroaches can hold their breath for 40 minutes (approx). If you are wondering – can cockroaches can swim like us or survive in water, this article is for you.
Also, you must have sometimes got confused bugs with cockroaches. So, in case you want to know the differences between the two, we have something for you – Cockroaches Vs Bedbugs
Can Cockroaches Swim?
You sometimes think cockroaches might swim because they prefer to live around water and areas with high humidity. But that’s not true! Only a few cockroach species can swim. However, they don’t actually swim. Rather they float. But, we usually say – the cockroach is swimming.
Cockroaches can’t technically swim, but some species can even navigate underwater. Compared to American cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches are more attracted to water. However, this navigation is mostly incidental.
Cockroaches are hard to exterminate with water. They’re bad swimmers, but they’re unlikely to drown in the water, so they have this extraordinary power to hold their breath for up to 30 minutes underwater and 40 minutes above water. They do this by closing their spiracles through which they breath and letting them float over the water. They can pop up to the surface to get oxygen if you give them time to escape.
Can Cockroaches Swim up Drain?
They usually crawl out of the drain, or the water flow will flush them out. Cockroaches breathe through tiny holes and tubes, which they close while in the water. This way, they can travel from one place to another underwater. As soon as they reach the surface, they start seeking shelter. So, if you see a cockroach coming out of the drain, do not think it had a good swim. Instead, they were floating over the water and moving from one place to another.
However, if you see one, know that there might be more. It is high time to take preventive measures – as you are dealing with a whole bunch of cockroach populations.
Can Cockroaches Swim up Toilet?
You must have seen cockroaches appearing in your bathrooms and toilets – this means they were floating around in your toilet. They can hold their breath and can travel in water. So they can’t drown in the toilet. You can flush them out, but they won’t die. No wonder they have survived meteorites!
Wrapping Up!
Now that we have shared everything on your question – ‘Can Cockroaches Swim?’ it is time to summarize – cockroaches who live underwater are relatively resilient critters and are hard to kill. They might not be good swimmers, but roaches tend to hold their breath underwater for an extended time. You cannot kill insects with just a toilet bowl flush. It will take more than the water pressure to get rid of them.
You need to hire a professional pest control service provider or use pest control to eliminate these adaptable creatures. If you found this blog helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family.
Hope you found this blog informative. If you still have doubts or have stories to share, feel free to connect with us and mention your query in the comment box. Stay healthy and stay tuned for the upcoming roach blog.
Most asked FAQs
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions, such as ‟can roaches swim?” ‟how do they fare in the water?” and more. Let’s check it out:
1. Do cockroaches like water?
Ans: You may think cockroaches aren’t lovers of a quick swim. Still, most species, especially your average household roach like German and American cockroaches, are the most commonly found in the home and don’t prefer water. They only need moisture and water sources to drink and stay hydrated. But Oriental cockroaches are known for liking water.
These species can be discovered near open water sources, such as flooded basements. In your home, they’ll seek out bathtubs, showers, or puddles around your home. In the wild, they’ll gather near ponds or creeks. They like water so much that they’re also called water bugs. Even nevertheless, oriental roaches can’t hold their breath forever. They’re not great swimmers, and you won’t find them floating in water for fun.
2. How do cockroaches breathe?
Ans: Eventually, cockroaches don’t breathe through their mouths. Instead, oxygen enters their bodies through tiny openings located on their thorax. These breathing holes are called spiracles. The oxygen travels throughout a system of trachea tubes and is circulated to all parts of the insect’s body.
3. Can cockroaches survive in water?
Ans: As we explain above, many cockroach species prefer to live near a water source, but few can survive in water for long periods. If fully immersed in water, roaches can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes. Hence, they can survive in water for a given period of time, but not more than that.
4. Can you drown a cockroach?
Ans: You can not drown a cockroach as they are approvingly adapted for survival in any environment. They might be unable to hold their breath like fish because they don’t have gills, but they can stay in the water for a time without drowning, depending on the species of roaches.
5. What happens if you flush a cockroach down the toilet?
Ans: If you flush a cockroach down the toilet, it might not return. It is due to the excessive water pressures that will force it down the drain. But even if this has failed and the roach has survived, a toilet water trap will keep the cockroach at the inlet and open the pipes. But flushing surely won’t kill the insect.
