Insects That Prey on Cockroaches

Spiders

Many household & outdoor spiders will attack and eat roaches, especially smaller ones. Some spider species use webs to trap them, while others hunt them directly.

Centipedes

House centipedes are fast, efficient hunters and known to feed on small cockroaches. They’re often found in dark, damp places, the same environments roaches prefer.

Ants

Certain types of ants, especially aggressive ones like fire ants or pharaoh ants, will prey on cockroach eggs & even adult roaches if the opportunity arises.

Praying Mantises

Though not common indoors, praying mantises are skilled predators that eat various insects, including roaches, in gardens & outdoor areas.

Can Natural Enemies Control Cockroach Infestations?

While these predators can reduce cockroach populations in nature, they’re not a reliable form of pest control in your home. Most people don’t want to rely on spiders, rodents, or lizards to control roaches indoors. Instead, a combination of sanitation, exclusion, & professional pest control is more effective for long-term prevention.