Cockroaches are common pests all along the Sunshine Coast. What may start as one or two roaches in your home can quickly become an infestation. Getting an early jump on the problem is important, so learning to identify and get rid of cockroach eggs can be very valuable.
What do cockroach eggs look like?
Cockroaches lay many eggs at a time inside an egg case called an ootheca. This special case hardens to help keep the eggs safe from predators and environmental factors. Ootheca are typically reddish-brown or brown in color and may have ridges along the sides. Ootheca vary in size, depending on the type of roach that produced it. For example, a small brown-banded roach produces an ootheca about 5 mm long. Larger species, like Oriental roaches, may produce an ootheca twice that size at 8-10 mm long.
How fast do roaches reproduce?
Different species of roaches produce different numbers of eggs. One species that reproduces especially fast are German roaches. There may be 20-40 eggs inside each ootheca. Some species produce far fewer eggs though. The American cockroach may only have 15-16 eggs inside its case.
Reproduction rates are also based on how fast the eggs hatch. German roaches hatch in around 28 days, while Oriental roaches can take up to 60 days to hatch. Regardless of the exact time that it takes, this means that even if you think you have taken care of all the roaches in your home, new eggs may hatch 1-2 months later. To be safe, your roach treatments should involve a well-rounded approach that will kill all stages, adults, nymphs, and eggs.
Where are roach egg cases found?
Roaches may hide their egg cases by sticking them to various surfaces, or they may carry them around with them. Dark, warm areas that are close to a food source are ideal spots to find roach oothecae. Check areas in and around your kitchen like pantries, drawers, closets, cabinets, cupboards, cracks and crevices, etc. The ootheca will probably be well hidden, so you will likely have to do a close examination using a flashlight. German roaches will carry their ootheca with them until right before they hatch. This means that you may find a roach with an ootheca protruding from its abdomen.
Cockroach Control
If you find roach egg cases around your home, you will want to dispose of them as soon as possible to keep them from hatching. Using a vacuum hose, stepping on them, or spraying them with pesticide are all options. Better yet, let pest control professionals treat your home. Technicians with Radar Pest Control will help eliminate cockroaches of all stages from your home. You can count on expert staff, prompt service, and the best and safest products. For Sunshine Coast pest control, trust Radar Pest Control to get the job done right.