Cockroaches are omnivorous and can feed on a wide range of organic matter, including plants, fungi, animals, and human food. Cockroaches can survive for long periods without food or water, but they prefer moist and warm environments.

Cockroaches are mostly nocturnal and hide during the day in cracks, crevices, and other dark places. They are attracted to light, heat, moisture, and chemical cues from food or other cockroaches. They use pheromones to communicate with each other and to form aggregations. Some species also produce sounds by rubbing their wings or legs together. Cockroaches have complex social behaviour that involves cooperation, competition, recognition, and learning. They can form hierarchies based on size, sex, or age. They can also share information about food sources or predators.