Cockroaches are omnivorous scavengers and will consume any organic food source available to them. They are not picky eaters and will eat almost anything that is derived from something that was once a living organism, such as plants and animals. Here are some of the things that cockroaches eat:

• Starches: Cockroaches particularly like starches, such as potatoes, bread, pasta, and cardboard boxes.
• Sweets: They also like sugary foods, such as candy, soda, and juice.
• Greasy foods: Cockroaches are attracted to greasy foods, such as cheese and meat products.
• Decaying matter: Decaying matter gets their appetites going, so garbage and waste, even human waste, will serve as gourmet roach meals.
• Other insects: Cockroaches will eat other insects if they can find them.
• Paper and books: They will nibble on bindings, newspapers, documents, and cardboard.
• Soap and makeup: They will eat soap, makeup, and other personal care products.
• Feces, hair, and nails: They will eat feces, hair, and nails.
• Their own cast-off skins: They will eat their own cast-off skins.
• Other cockroaches: They will even eat other cockroaches.

Cockroaches can survive for a long time without food, but they need water to survive. American cockroaches can survive two or three months without feeding, but can only live about a month without water. German cockroaches can only go 12 days without water, but can survive for about 42 days without food. Effective cockroach control starts by making your home unappetizing for these pesky creatures. Store all food in airtight containers, wipe up spills immediately, and regularly clean your kitchen. Eliminating competing food sources is key to preventing cockroach infestations.