5 Surprising Predators of Cockroaches in the Virgin Islands

We consider them pests, but cockroaches are a rich food source in the treeline and have natural predators throughout St. John, St. Croix, St. Thomas, and Puerto Rico.

Cockroaches have succeeded over the centuries because, like most pests, they benefit from the success of humans. They seek shelter in homes, office spaces, and restaurants. But many cockroaches live outdoors in mulch and vegetation, especially in warmer climates. And while they may wander into your home, most are born outside. 

Sewers provide insects food, water, and shelter during extreme weather and periods of intense sunlight. You can also find albino cockroaches spread throughout the wild in the U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Cockroaches are curious explorers who often crawl up dry drain pipes and lay eggs as they go. When the nymphs hatch, they continue creeping up and out of drains, often ending in dark storage rooms, basements, etc. Messy homes can attract hungry colonies. We consider them pests, but they’re a rich food source in the treeline and have natural predators on St. John, St. Croix, St. Thomas, and Puerto Rico. 

Tarantulas

Several tarantula species live in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The number of tarantula variations and spider species is hard to say, but specimens found in wooded areas are generally small and relatively harmless to humans. Smaller tarantulas on these islands predominantly eat insects, such as katydids, crickets, grasshoppers, caterpillars, beetles, and even baby lizards if the opportunity arises.