Where and How to Check for Cockroach Eggs

Where and How to Check for Cockroach Eggs

February 25, 2022

Cockroach infestations are by far one of the worst infestations you can have on your property. These annoying critters are born with an amazing, yet unfortunate-for-us, ability called parthenogenesis, which allows female cockroaches to lay eggs without mating. Because cockroaches can lay dozens of eggs in just a few days, it's no wonder that many cockroach infestations get out of hand extremely quickly. Fortunately, spotting roach eggs is an easily learned skill that can help you prevent a cockroach situation from getting out of hand. To stop an infestation as quickly as possible, you need to know where cockroaches lay their eggs and what to look for.

Where do Cockroaches Lay Eggs?

Cockroaches tend to lay their eggs in warm and humid environments, like in your kitchen, bathroom, around plumbing fixtures or in cracks in the wall. These eggs, like cockroaches, will be out of sight and located under fixtures or inside cabinets. Even knowing this, it can be difficult to pinpoint where cockroach eggs are, especially in apartment buildings with multiple units or in houses with leaks and areas that stay damp for long periods of time.

Cockroaches do not lay eggs like most other insects. Instead, they produce a cluster called an ootheca that contains multiple eggs in one. An ootheca can contain up to 50 eggs, enabling cockroaches to multiply as quickly as they do. While not every egg successfully hatches into a cockroach, enough eggs in a single ootheca will create a problem that can get out of hand quite quickly.

How Big Are Cockroach Eggs and What Do They Look Like?

The appearance of cockroach eggs varies by species, but generally, they will be a brown egg sack that is cylindrical and has a ridge on one side. American cockroach oothecas are dark brown, while German cockroach oothecas are reddish, golden brown. The size of oothecas varies from half a centimeter to a couple of millimeters.

How to Get Rid of Cockroach Eggs

It is always best to prevent cockroaches from settling in your house in the first place. This can be done by maintaining a clean living area. Cockroaches are attracted to crumbs, debris and other kinds of filth and eat almost anything, including rotting garbage. Be sure to sweep up crumbs regularly and Storing food is extremely important in preventing cockroaches from moving in with you. You should also repair all leaks and patch all cracks to eliminate ideal egg-laying spots.

If you are already dealing with a cockroach infestation, there are several things you can do to eliminate cockroach eggs. While it is not recommended that you handle a cockroach infestation alone, you can try to vacuum and dispose of the eggs. You may be able to remove some of the visible oothecas, but keep in mind there are likely many more that were laid out of sight. To ensure that your infestation will be completely taken care of, it's best to call the experts.

If you find that you have been infested by cockroaches, do not panic. The staff here at MosquitoNix® have countless years of experience in dealing with these nasty creatures and rooting them out from the spots you can't see. The professionals at MosquitoNix® will inspect your home and provide a free estimate for treating any cockroach problem you may have. Contact our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team to learn more about your options.



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