Baby Cockroaches
Cockroaches are gross and nasty creatures that can make your house feel like it’s covered in filth. Baby cockroaches might seem pretty small at first glance, but don’t let their diminutive size fool you-these babies could be the beginning of an infestation! If you see a baby cockroach in your house, there’s most likely an entire nest nearby, and if left unchecked can quickly grow into huge problems for homes across America!
What is the Life Cycle of a Cockroach?
The life cycle of a cockroach begins with an egg. Females will lay their eggs in an egg case, or ootheca, which can contain anywhere from 10 to 50 eggs. Once the egg hatches, the baby roach, or nymph, will go through several molts before reaching adulthood. Depending on the species, a roach can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks to reach maturity. The average lifespan of a cockroach is about one year, but some species can live for up to two years.
What Does a Baby Cockroach Look Like?
A baby cockroach is typically small, brown, and has a flat body depending on the species. The most common species of cockroach found in homes across America is the German cockroach. These pests are small, brown, with two dark stripes running down their backs. Baby German cockroaches are about one-eighth of an inch long, dark brown, almost black, in color. And as they mature, they begin to develop the black lines behind their heads and change to the pale brown or tan color of adults.
American cockroaches
The baby American cockroach is about one-quarter of an inch long and changes color as it sheds its exoskeleton. This process, referred to as molting or metamorphosis, will eventually lead to adulthood, where the reddish-brown adult phase with a halo marking behind the head can be seen in later stages.
Brown-banded cockroaches
Brown-banded cockroach nymphs are small, measuring about one-eighth of an inch in length. They have two wide light brown colored bands behind their heads like adults.
Oriental cockroaches
The Oriental cockroach nymphs are about one-quarter inch in length and have reddish-brown colors. As they mature, their color darkens to a black finish on adults that often appear shiny due to the presence of oils secreted by glands along their body or legs.
What do Baby Cockroaches Eat?
The cockroach is a natural scavenger, but some species live in tropical environments and prefer vegetarian food. The average roach will eat anything from meat to starchy items like bread, but prefer sweets. Baby cockroaches are no different and will eat just about anything an adult roach will consume.
Are Baby Cockroaches Dangerous?
The babies are just as dirty and contagious as their adult counterparts. They spend most of the day crawling around revolting places. They eat awful things like rot, which then becomes embedded in them for life! As a result, they pick up lots of bacteria, viruses, mold, fungi, or worms that could harm other people if not treated properly with caution. So, in short, while they may not be able to cause as much damage, they are still considered dangerous.
How Can I Prevent an Infestation of Cockroaches?
Cockroaches are attracted to warm, humid environments and are often found in kitchens and bathrooms. They can also be found in other parts of the home, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Cockroaches are scavengers and will eat just about anything, including food scraps, garbage, and even human hair and skin. So the best way to prevent cockroaches is to keep your house clean and free of food debris. Vacuum regularly, especially under appliances and in cracks and crevices. Seal any cracks and crevices in your home, and keep food in tight-fitting containers. If you think you might have a cockroach problem, it’s important to act quickly to prevent the infestation from spreading.