Need pest help? Save $50 on your first recurring service today with code GET50

Cockroach Egg Facts & Information

Egg Case

Female cockroaches produce egg cases, known as oothecae. Oothecae contain many eggs and are enveloped by a protein substance that gradually hardens into a strong, protective casing. Some cockroach species drop the egg case, while other species carry it until the eggs are ready to hatch.

American Cockroach Illustration

American Cockroach Illustration

What Do Cockroach Eggs Look Like?

The American cockroach's ootheca is dark brown in color and averages 8 mm in length. One female may create six to 90 oothecae in her lifetime. The female American cockroach carries the ootheca for a few hours to a few days, at which point she deposits the egg case in a safe, hidden location. The American cockroach ootheca contains approximately 15 embryos and remains in place through the use of the female's saliva.

How Long Does it Take Cockroach Eggs to Hatch?

Immature cockroaches will emerge from the ootheca within 24 to 38 days.

Brown-Banded Cockroach Eggs

The brown-banded cockroach's ootheca is light reddish-brown in color and measures approximately 5 mm in length. Females of this species produce up to 20 cases in one lifetime, and each case hatches 10 to 18 embryos. Brown-banded nymphs are identifiable by two yellow bands that cross their upper abdomens. Nymphs develop fully to adults within three to six months.

Oriental Cockroach Eggs

The Oriental cockroach creates a dark reddish-brown ootheca that is 8 to 10 mm in length. These oothecae appear slightly inflated and each contains approximately 16 eggs. The female deposits the egg case in a favorable environment after it is produced. Females produce between one and 18 egg cases in a lifetime. Nymphs typically take around 600 days to become adults, although their development is dependent upon environmental conditions.

German Cockroach Eggs

The German cockroach's ootheca is brown in color and typically measures less than 6 to 9 mm in length. The female German cockroach carries the ootheca until the eggs inside it are ready to hatch. One ootheca can contain up to 50 eggs. Egg to adult takes 103 days, on average. Because they produce so many eggs that develop so quickly, their population grows very rapidly.

Cockroach Nymph

Cockroach Gestation

Cockroach Stages

Resources

Protect Your Home from Cockroaches

How do I get roaches out of my car?

Q

How do I get roaches out of my car?

Cockroach Species, Genus & Taxonomy

Do Cockroach Bombs Work? | Cockroach Fogger Facts

What are Cockroaches' Natural Predators?

How to Distinguish Cockroaches vs. Other Pests

Cockroaches Exterminator - How To Identify & Get Rid Of Cockroaches

Cockroach illustration

Buying a home with roaches

Q

We looked at one last night that we really liked; however, we saw two Raid cans in different rooms, all cabinets were open in the house, and we saw a few dead bugs which I think were roaches. Should we be concerned?

Avoid bringing roaches when you move

Q

I want to be sure that I do not take any roaches or roach eggs with me when I move. Can you tell me what I need to do in order to ensure this doesn’t happen?

Roaches in used sofa sleeper

Q

How likely is it that I will bring roaches into my home via a used sofa sleeper?

How to get rid of waterbugs or sewer roaches?

Q

We get these bugs — some people call them sewer roaches, and others call them water bugs. How do we get rid of them?

Connect with Us

Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.

877-819-5061

Find a Branch

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Get a Personalized Quote

We will help you find the right treatment plan for your home.

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlPrevent and Protect

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

© 2024 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementCareers

Your Branch  

Call Now