Why Do Cockroaches Die When They Turn Over? This is the Complete Explanation

Illustration of a dead cockroach when it is upside down (photo: Pixabay/Nick_the_Photographer)

YOGYAKARTA - Have you ever found a cockroach dead on its back with its legs sticking up? This scene is very common in houses, especially after spraying insecticides. Related to this, many people wonder: why do cockroaches die when they are upside down? Are they dead because of their upside down position, or is there another reason behind it?

Cockroaches are very tough and difficult to eradicate. However, despite being known to be immune, they often die in an embarrassing position, lying on their backs.

This article will discuss in full why cockroaches die when they are upside down, the main causes, as well as what to do if you often find cockroaches in the house.

Summarized from various sources, see the complete explanation in the review below.

Why Do Cockroaches Die When They Turn Over?

In general, cockroaches die when they are upside down not because the supine position itself is fatal, but because of several factors that make them unable to turn over. The cockroach's long legs and its convex back make it difficult to maintain balance on a slippery floor.

So upside down, their body structure actually makes it difficult to get back up, especially if the body condition is weak or exposed to poison.

Here are the three main reasons why cockroaches die when they are turned upside down:

Nervous System Disorders due to Insecticides

This is the most frequent cause. Modern insecticides work by disrupting the cockroach's nervous system, causing convulsions, paralysis, and loss of motor control. During convulsions, cockroaches often flip over and can't get up. Although some live for a while, their nervous system eventually becomes completely paralyzed so that the cockroach dies in an upside-down position.

Physical Fatigue

The upside-down cockroach will try hard to turn its body. This process requires a lot of energy. If the cockroach is weak due to insecticides, lack of food, or old age, its energy will run out quickly. Eventually they stop moving and die on their backs.

Floor Surface Type

The floor surface is very influential. On rough floors like carpets, cockroaches still have the opportunity to turn over. But on smooth and slippery floors (ceramic, granite, or wood), they find it difficult to get traction. This is why cockroaches are more often found lying down in the kitchen and bathroom.

How Long Do Cockroaches Die If They Are Turned Upside Down?

Healthy cockroaches that have not been exposed to poison can survive for hours while trying to get up. However, cockroaches that have been exposed to insecticides are usually only able to survive for a few minutes. Once upside down and unable to return, death is almost certain.

Where is the Cock's Hiding Place?

Cockroaches love dark, damp, and warm places. Inside the house, they most often hide in the following places:

Cracks in the walls and cabinets Behind the refrigerator Under the sink Around the water pipes and sewer

If you see cockroaches during the day, it's a sign of danger. Cockroaches are nocturnal insects. Their appearance during the day usually indicates that their population is already very large.

How to Kill Cockroaches?

The presence of cockroaches in the house can be very disturbing. These insects like to live in dirty places and carry a lot of germs on their bodies. Therefore, it is important to know how to eradicate cockroaches so that your home remains clean and healthy.

Here are the various ways to eradicate cockroaches that are easy to practice:

Keep the House Clean

Clean up food leftovers and spills every day. Throw away garbage regularly and don't let the trash can be open. In addition, wash the dishes immediately after use.

Remove Water and Food Sources

Cockroaches can live on just a little water. To prevent these insects from appearing, fix leaking faucets, dry wet areas, and store food in tightly sealed containers.

Close the Cracks and Hiding Places

Seal cracks in walls, doors, and windows using silicone or putty. Clean up scattered items.

Use Cock Bait and Traps

Poison bait (bait gel) is more effective than spraying because cockroaches will carry the poison to their nest and kill other colonies.

Spray Insecticide Correctly

Use a spray insecticide at night in the cockroach hiding area. Combine with bait for maximum results.

That's the explanation for why cockroaches die when they are upside down. Hopefully the information above can add to the reader's insight. To get other interesting news updates, visit the VOI.id page.