Coming across a cockroach in your home can be alarming, and finding out that they have laid eggs can be even more upsetting. So, what do cockroach eggs look like? Cockroach eggs are small and oval-shaped. They are typically brown or black in color and are found in groups of up to 40 eggs. The female cockroach will lay her eggs in a dark, secluded place where they will be safe from harm.
If you are unfortunate enough to find a cockroach egg, you should know that it’s a telltale sign that there is an infestation in your home. Cockroaches are not only unsightly, but they can also carry several diseases. If you think you may have a cockroach problem, it’s important to contact a pest control professional right away.
Roach Egg Basics
As mentioned, cockroach eggs are small and oval-shaped. The female cockroach will lay her eggs anywhere from under your sink to behind your fridge. The ootheca is the casing in which these eggs are all packed, and it’s made of a protein substance. As the substance matures – often just a few hours – it solidifies, safeguarding the cockroach eggs from predators and weather. The baby cockroaches, known as nymphs, will hatch from the eggs within 2-4 weeks.
At first, they are very small – about the size of a poppy seed. As they grow, they will shed their skin several times. Once they reach adulthood, they will be about the size of an adult thumb. At this point, they will be able to reproduce and the cycle will start all over again. Cockroach eggs are typically brown or black in color, but there are some species that have white eggs.
Cockroach Eggs by Species
To show the distinctions in roach reproduction, here’s a summary of cockroach egg development by species:
German Cockroach
The German cockroach is one of the most common species of roaches found in homes. In a single year, a single female and her offspring may infest an apartment with more than 30,000 cockroaches. These pests are small, brown, and have two dark stripes running down their backs. The female German cockroach will lay her eggs in an ootheca that she carries around with her until it’s time to hatch. Once the ootheca is full, it will contain around 40 eggs.
Australian Cockroach
The Australian cockroach is another species that is commonly found in homes. These cockroaches are larger than the German variety and are reddish-brown in color. They have a yellow band across their backs and wings that cover their entire bodies. Australian cockroaches can produce 12 to 30 oothecae during their lifetime, and adult female roaches drop one every 10 days. The female Australian cockroach will lay her eggs in an ootheca, which she will then carry around with her until they hatch. The ootheca will contain between 16 and 24 eggs.
Oriental Cockroach
The Oriental cockroach is a water-loving species of roach that is often found near drains, sewers, and damp basements. These cockroaches are dark brown or black in color and have wings, but they cannot fly. A female Oriental cockroach will usually produce eight oothecae throughout her life, yet many more may be produced.
Cockroaches come in a wide variety of forms, including the Smoky Brown cockroach, the Asian cockroach, the Cuban cockroach, Florida woods cockroach, Surinam cockroach, and many more. Cockroaches have distinct reproductive features, but their oothecae are quite similar across the board.
How To Identify Cockroach Eggs
If you are suspicious that you may have a cockroach infestation, there are several ways to identify their eggs. Cockroach eggs are typically about 1/4 inch long and oval-shaped. Oothecae have various forms, depending on the species. In general, most oothecae are tiny, measuring between 0.06 and 0.18 inches in length. They’re commonly white at first, but they darken as they age and harden. Some of these egg casings have ridges, like the ones made by the German and brown-banded cockroaches, while others do not.
Here are some tips on how to identify roach eggs:
• Look for small, white, cylindrical eggs that are about 1/8 of an inch long.
• Eggs are often found in clusters and can be hidden anywhere from cracks and crevices in the wall to inside furniture.
• Eggs are usually found in a protective casing called an ootheca. This is a brown, capsule-like egg sac that can hold anywhere from 10 to 50 eggs.
• Check for the presence of an ootheca near food sources or in hidden locations. While ootheca appearance varies from one species to another, most are light brown in color and very small, less than 0.2 inches in length.
If you suspect you have a cockroach infestation, it is best to contact Stomp Pest Control to help get rid of them. Cockroaches can be difficult to get rid of and their eggs are an even bigger problem.
Where to Look For Roach Eggs
Since cockroaches like to lay their eggs in dark, secluded places, you’ll typically find them near the food source. This means that they may be hiding behind your refrigerator, under your sink, or in other tight spaces. If you see any small, oval-shaped objects that are brown or black in color, it’s likely that they are cockroach eggs. You can also check for oothecae near drains, basements, and other moist areas. If you see any of these egg casings, it’s best to call a professional exterminator to get rid of the cockroaches.
Here are some common places to find roach eggs:
• American Cockroaches: These eggs are usually found near food sources, such as in cabinets, pantries, and under the sink. The female American cockroach will often drop her ootheca near food.
• Oriental Cockroaches: These eggs are often found in hidden locations, such as in the folds of wallpaper or inside furniture. The female oriental cockroach will usually deposit her eggs in a secluded spot, where they will be safe from predators.
• German cockroaches: These eggs are the smallest of all the roaches and are often found in clusters. They can be found anywhere from cracks and crevices in the wall to inside furniture.
• Australian cockroaches: These eggs are usually found in hidden locations, such as inside furniture and underneath wooden pieces.
• Brown-banded cockroaches: These eggs are usually found in hidden locations as well. The female brown-banded cockroach loves to attach her eggs to walls and ceilings.
What Should You Do If You Find Cockroach Eggs?
If you find cockroach eggs in your home, it’s important to take action immediately. Cockroaches are not only dangerous to your health, but they can also cause extensive damage to your property. A single cockroach can lay up to 50 eggs at a time, so an infestation can quickly get out of control. The best way to get rid of cockroaches is to call a professional exterminator. They will be able to identify the species of cockroaches and use the correct methods to get rid of them. You can also take some preventative steps to discourage roaches from entering your home in the first place. Call our team today at (919) 231-3292, or fill out the form below for more information.
