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Are you ready to learn about the wild and wacky world of cockroach life cycles? Buckle up, because things are about to get buggy.
First things first, let’s talk about the basics. According to the University of California’s Integrated Pest Management Program, all cockroaches go through three stages in their life cycle: egg, nymph, and adult. But, before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about where these little critters like to lay their eggs.
Egg-cellent Eggs
Cockroaches begin their life cycle as eggs, which are laid in a protective casing called an ootheca. They are sneaky little buggers and they like to hide their eggs in dark, warm, and moist places. So, if you’re finding little egg cases around your home, check areas like behind appliances, in cracks and crevices, and even in your potted plants. It can be glued in cracks and crevices, in order to protect them from predators. And, don’t be surprised if you find a bunch of eggs at once, because these critters like to lay their eggs in batches. For example, the German cockroach will typically lay like 30 to 40 eggs in one case (University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, 2020). Eek!
Nymph-ing Around: The Teenage Years of a Roach’s Life
Once the eggs hatch, out comes the nymphs. These little guys look like mini versions of the adult cockroaches and they go through several molts before they reach adulthood. And, let me tell you, it’s a race to see who can grow up faster, because the nymphs are constantly competing for food and resources. But, don’t worry, these little critters aren’t going to grow up and take over the world just yet. It takes several months for them to reach adulthood.
Adult-ing is Hard: Adult Development
Once the nymphs reach adulthood, they’re finally ready to take on the world. And, by take on the world, I mean reproduce and make more cockroaches. But, before you get too freaked out, it’s important to note that not all cockroaches live long lives. According to the National Pest Management Association, the average lifespan of a cockroach is around one year. But, don’t be fooled, some cockroaches can live up to two or three years. So, it’s important to keep an eye out for these critters and take the necessary steps to keep them out of your home.
How Ofen Do Cockroaches Lay Eggs?
These little buggers are baby-making machines! That’s right, cockroaches lay eggs like it’s their job (because, let’s be real, it kinda is). But, how often do they lay these eggs? Well, let’s dive in and find out.
First off, it’s important to note that not all cockroaches reproduce at the same rate. Different species of cockroaches have different reproductive cycles. But, for the most common household cockroaches, the German cockroach, they can lay eggs every 6-12 weeks. That’s right, every 6-12 WEEKS! That’s why if you see one roach, you’ll soon see a lot more very soon unless you get rid of them especially since killing one could attach others nearby.
