What Does a Baby Cockroach Look Like?

Cockroach Reproduction

Cockroaches, like many other insects, pass through several stages of development. These include the egg, several nymph stages and the adult. Adult females lay egg cases, called oothecae, and the number of eggs in each case varies depending on the species. For example, an American cockroach egg case typically contains somewhere between 14 and 16 eggs, while a German cockroach egg case contains between 30 and 40.

Female cockroaches will deposit their egg cases in safe locations. In the home, this may include behind cabinets, on furniture or in wall voids. Brown-banded cockroaches and smoky brown cockroaches lay them on the surface, and female German cockroaches will carry the egg cases in their bodies for about three weeks, until the eggs are almost ready to hatch.

For many homeowners in the United States, two species are of particular concern: the American cockroach and the German cockroach. The American cockroach is the largest home-invading species, though these cockroaches are usually found outside. Adults can measure up to two inches in length, and female American cockroaches can produce between 6 and 14 egg capsules throughout their lifetime. Like most insects, they can also store sperm, allowing them to continue producing fertilized egg cases without mating. Multiple generations of American cockroaches have been known to live in the same area, meaning they can be found in large numbers.

German cockroaches are notorious for reproducing rapidly and are typically found inside. They are smaller than American cockroaches, measuring between one-half and one inch in length, but they reach sexual maturity sooner and lay larger egg cases. A single female is capable of laying up to eight egg cases and producing up to 300 offspring during her lifetime.

How to Identify Baby Cockroaches

Cockroach nymphs in your home may be a sign of an infestation. Because cockroaches come into contact with bacteria (which can stick to their bodies) that can cause illnesses, they need to be dealt with sooner rather than later. Know how to identify cockroach nymphs of common species in the United States to help prevent serious infestations:

• American cockroaches – American cockroach nymphs are about one-quarter of an inch in length. They change color as they shed their exoskeletons and grow, a process referred to as molting. Nymphs begin as a black-brown color and evolve to the reddish-brown color of adults. Like adults, later stage nymphs also have a halo marking behind their heads.
• German cockroaches – German cockroach nymphs are about one-eighth of an inch long. They are dark brown, almost black, in color. And as they grow, they develop the black lines behind their heads and change to the pale brown or tan color of adults.
• Brown-banded cockroaches – Brown-banded cockroach nymphs are small, measuring about one-eighth of an inch in length. Like adults, they are brown and have two wide, light-brown colored bands behind their heads.
• Oriental cockroaches – Oriental cockroach nymphs are about one-quarter inch in length and are reddish brown in color. As they grow, their color darkens. Adults often appear black in color.
• Smoky brown cockroaches – Smoky brown cockroach nymphs are about three-eighths of an inch long and are dark brown to black with white markings. They change to lighter shades of mahogany before eventually reaching the smoky brown color of adults.

Call the Professionals

Cockroach infestations are a cause for concern. Treatment methods often vary according to species, and because several species can be particularly difficult to control, it’s often wise to contact pest control professionals for help. The professionals at Terminix® are trained to find cockroach hiding places and breeding grounds, and they can recommend methods to help get your pest problem under control. Call for your FREE estimate today.