Female cockroaches lay eggs in clusters contained in hard sacs called oothecas. One ootheca can hatch 10-50 cockroach nymphs at a time. A clear increase in cockroach activity usually indicates eggs are producing larger numbers of new cockroaches.
The presence of new cockroaches also means there is a nesting site nearby. This area should be treated immediately, then treated again the following month to eliminate cockroaches that hatched after the original treatment.
Cockroaches do not produce individual eggs. Instead, they produce oothecas (hardened egg sacs) carrying 10-50 eggs depending on species. Oothecas are typically deposited somewhere safe until eggs hatch, or carried by the female until a day or two before hatching.
Oothecas are unique to each species but share similarities: smaller than 1 cm, look like a bean or seed, and are generally brown, red, or black. Most have a bumpy ridge where the case splits open when eggs hatch.
5/16 inch long, 1/8 inch thick. Light brown capsule with hard ridge on one side.
5/16 inch long, 1/5 inch thick. Dark red to black, stuck to surfaces with saliva.
Only 1/4 inch long (smallest). Dark yellow to reddish brown.
1/2 inch long (largest). Starts light yellow, turns reddish brown to black.
Cockroaches deposit egg cases where they will remain undisturbed near food and water resources. Common locations include:
Keep egg cases attached to body almost until hatching. If released, in tight crevices that are dark, humid, and warm like near loose pipe fittings.
Deposit close to food so nymphs find immediate nutrition. Attached with sticky saliva in kitchen cabinetry, pantries, under refrigerator/stove.
Carry only 1-2 days before depositing. Found clustered in high places with textured surfaces like wood grain, shelves, ceilings.
Eggs are temperature sensitive. Found where there is moisture AND heat. Check water heater closets and bathrooms.
Egg cases mean an infestation is imminent. Get professional treatment now.
Call (866) 326-2847Cockroach populations grow quickly due to short maturity time and reproduction cycles:
4-8 lifetime
Every 4-6 weeks
9-10 lifetime
Every ~30 days
13-14 lifetime
Every 16-22 days
8 lifetime
Every ~22 days
30-50 eggs per case
Up to 400 lifetime
Most prolific - nymphs mature in 1 month
14-16 eggs per case
Up to 160 lifetime
Live about 1 year
10-18 eggs per case
Up to 250 lifetime
Live 205-315 days
~16 eggs per case
Up to 130 lifetime
Live up to 180 days
Gestation varies by species. Some reach viability in a month, others take several months. Temperature extremes delay hatching.
~28 days
Fastest at ideal temps
~56 days
Temp sensitive
~50 days
Delayed by cold
42-81 days
Optimal ~45 days
Getting rid of eggs is difficult because cockroaches deposit cases where they are least likely to be found, and the ootheca protects eggs from pesticides. If found, crush and discard them. Since there is no great way to deal with eggs directly, ensure treatment kills nymphs when they hatch:
Remain active after application. When nymphs contact the poison, they become infected and die.
Prevent nymphs from developing into mature cockroaches capable of reproduction.
Destroys exoskeletons while suffocating and dehydrating cockroach bodies.
Viable egg cases are full and rigid. Hatched cases look dried out, shrunken, or dented. However, oothecas can close back up after nymphs exit. Always assume they are viable, remove them, and destroy them. Look for other cases nearby since some species cluster eggs.
No. This myth exists because females die with oothecas inside or attached to their bodies. These eggs remain viable and will hatch unless the ootheca is crushed.
Unlikely but possible. Cockroaches avoid places that might be disturbed. Clothes in active drawers or hampers are unlikely locations. However, clothes stored long-term in boxes in closets or garages may have oothecas.
Egg cases are a sure sign that cockroach populations have started to multiply. It is a matter of time before you are dealing with a full-blown infestation. EcoGuard uses an integrated pest management approach designed to deliver effective cockroach control and treatment.
Cockroaches deposit egg cases close to resources nymphs need to survive and where the case will remain undisturbed. This optimizes the chance of survival for the nymphs that hatch.
The number depends on species. Most produce 10-20 eggs per ootheca, but German cockroach egg cases can contain up to 50 eggs.
Cockroach eggs usually hatch within 1-3 months depending on species and temperature. Extreme highs and lows in temperature will delay hatching time.
Assume the egg case contains viable eggs and remove it. Before discarding, crush the egg case to ensure the eggs are terminated.
