When it comes to cockroach eggs, you really have to know what you are looking for, as well as where to look. While you may think you’re looking for individual eggs, you’re actually not going to find a single egg or a group of individual eggs just lying around. This is because cockroach eggs are contained in an ootheca. An ootheca is a protective casing that a female roach produces to keep eggs safe from predators and the surrounding environment. While oothecae can vary in appearance based on the species, most are small (about 8mm in length) and start out white in color. However, as the ootheca ages, it hardens and turns dark brown or reddish-brown in color.
How Many Eggs does a Cockroach Lay?
A cockroach’s ootheca holds multiple eggs. However, the number of eggs within each ootheca varies by the species of cockroach. Roaches with higher reproductive rates will obviously lay more oothecae, and in turn, more eggs. For example, the German cockroach, which is commonly found in homes across the U.S., reproduces quickly. For example, a female German cockroach can produce over 30,000 offspring within a year. Another common cockroach, the brown-banded cockroach, will create around 20 oothecae throughout her life. Brown-banded cockroach oothecae typically hold between 10 and 20 eggs. Oriental cockroaches, on the other hand, only produce around 8 oothecae. These oothecae hold 15 eggs on average. Lastly, like the Oriental cockroach, the American cockroach produces an ootheca that contains around 15 eggs. During her lifetime, an American cockroach can lay as little at 6 oothecae or as many as 90 oothecae.
In short, while oothecae may look similar across cockroach species, the number of oothecae and count of eggs depends on the species.
Where do Cockroaches Lay Eggs?
Cockroaches don’t just lay there eggs anywhere. However, there are some places that cockroaches are more drawn too. While there are some species, such as the female German Cockroach, that will carry their oothecae until the eggs inside are close to hatching, many cockroaches find secluded and safe areas to leave their oothecae.
In general, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and attics are popular areas for cockroaches to leave oothecae. Additionally, many cockroaches will leave oothecae in close proximity to a food source. A female cockroach does this so her offspring will be able to find food on their own. As a result, you should pay close attention to pantries, cabinets, crawl spaces, and storage areas. Furthermore, roach eggs can be attached to just about any surface, such as walls, furniture, or other household objects, so most of the time you’ve really got to hunt for them.
Getting Rid of Cockroach Eggs
Getting rid of cockroach eggs involves much more than using a roach bomb. Not only do you need to be able to locate the cockroach eggs, you need to destroy them completely as well. While many people try vacuuming up roach eggs or applying boric acid or pesticides to them, your best bet is to call a pest control service such as Aptive.
Understanding the Hatching Process of Roach Eggs
Roaches are not only persistent pests but also prolific breeders. One of the common questions asked is “How long does it take for roach eggs to hatch?” Generally, the incubation period for roach eggs can vary significantly depending on the species and environmental conditions. For instance, the eggs of the German cockroach typically take about 28 days to hatch, while those of the American cockroach might hatch within 24 to 38 days. It’s important to understand that temperature and humidity play crucial roles in the incubation period. Higher humidity and warmer temperatures can accelerate the hatching process, although any extreme condition can also harm the egg’s viability.
Getting rid of roaches requires a lot of perseverance. An Aptive professional will be able to locate and eliminate roach eggs from your home. Furthermore, our trained technicians will go after any baby cockroaches or adult cockroaches you may have in your home. Cockroaches can get out of hand fast. However, by using a trained professional, you will be able to rest easy knowing that a rapid decline in roaches is in your future.
Because the presence of cockroach eggs is a telltale sign of a roach infestation, it is of utmost importance to call a pest control service right away. Cockroaches multiply quickly and you could have an even bigger problem on your hands in a small amount of time. Rather than relying on ineffective DIY pest control methods, let an Aptive pest professional take care of the roach problem for you. Aptive professionals recognize how important it is to feel safe and comfortable in your own home. This is why we create a customized pest control plan, tailored to your specific needs, in order to get you back to feeling secure and relaxed in as little time as possible. If you notice cockroaches in your home, or spot cockroach oothecae, call your local Aptive Environmental branch today.
