Below, we'll share some hard-earned knowledge about cockroach behavior, with a particular focus on cockroach eggs and nesting behavior, how these creatures spread, and what you can do to stop them for good.
The most common cockroaches here in Austin are the German cockroach and the American cockroach, so we'll start with a quick rundown.
Understanding and Identifying Cockroaches
Did you know that there are 55 different species of cockroaches found in the United States? Probably not. Why? Because most people will only be exposed to a few of them: Oriental, Turkestan, Smokey Brown, Brown Ribbon, and the aforementioned German and American varieties.
Of these, you're most likely to come into conflict with German and American cockroaches, so you'll need to learn more about them if you want to practice your own roach control.
The German cockroach is probably the species that annoys you the most. Why? Similar to brown-banded cockroaches, German cockroaches prefer indoor environments. The oriental cockroach falls somewhere in between, as they are just as comfortable in damp stakes and gutters as they are in garages and basements, so they are another problem species for many homeowners.
German cockroaches are much more common, though, and if you come across one in your home, there's a good chance it's a German cockroach. People tend to find these creatures in bathrooms, kitchens, or food preparation and storage areas. They are light brown in color, about half an inch long, with two dark stripes directly behind the head.
Regardless of the type of roach you're dealing with, all cockroaches are pests that can spread germs and disease, so you need to do what you can to get rid of them as quickly as possible.
Now that you know a little more about these pests, let's talk a little more about the beginning of their life cycle: the eggs. Cockroach eggs are held together in a condition called an oocyst. Other insects, including praying mantises, lay these protective shells that hatch into hundreds of baby cockroaches.
identify
If you spot something and wonder if it's a german cockroach egg, look for wallet-shaped, light brown capsules that are no longer than ¼ inch long.
timeline
You can expect each female German cockroach to lay egg cysts approximately every six weeks. These capsules usually take about 28 days to hatch. No wonder cockroach populations can grow so fast!
Place
Females usually prefer to store their egg sacs in a protected location, such as a crevice. However, they tend to carry them until close to hatching, and sometimes the eggs will even hatch while they are still being carried. That means you'll likely find German cockroach eggs anywhere these critters hang out, including your bathroom and kitchen, under the sink, near plumbing, under drawers, and in dark corners of the pantry.
It is recommended to put some cockroach bait in your home to better prevent cockroaches
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