If you’ve ever turned on a light in the kitchen at night only to catch a fleeting glimpse of something very tiny scurrying away, you know the feeling of dread that follows. This could be the first sign of a cockroach infestation, and it often starts by finding baby cockroaches.
In this blog post, we’ll explain more about baby cockroaches, how to identify signs of an infestation, and what steps to take next.
What Do Baby Cockroaches Look Like?
Also known as nymph cockroaches, baby cockroaches are only in the juvenile stages of their development. They hatch from eggs that are laid in capsules known as ootheca, which a female cockroach can produce regularly.
Identifying baby cockroaches can be tricky due to their small size and nocturnal habits. However, knowing what to look for can help you catch an infestation early. Here are some key characteristics and signs to watch out for:
Size Of Baby Cockroaches
Baby cockroaches are usually about ⅛ to ¼ inch long. However, this is no hard and fast rule amongst species and it largely depends on the type of cockroach your home is being infested with. For example American baby cockroaches are larger in size than other types of roaches, usually about ¼ of an inch, while German baby cockroaches are ⅛ of an inch, while other species have babies that are very small, like a grain of rice.
Also Read: How Long Do Cockroaches Live?
Color Of Baby Cockroaches
Another way to recognize a baby cockroach is through its color. These little insects are lighter in color than adult cockroaches, and as they grow, they become darker. Most of them have a slightly reddish color at the start of their lifecycle.
Shape Of Baby Cockroaches
Cockroach nymphs share the same oval-shaped, flat bodies as their adult counterparts, but there’s one crucial feature that differentiates how baby cockroaches look compared to adults, and that is the lack wings. This wingless state can make them appear more similar to certain beetle species at first glance.
How Do Baby Roaches Move?
Nymphs are surprisingly agile and tend to scatter quickly when disturbed, often moving in erratic patterns. They have a preference for congregating in warm, dark, and humid environments, which provide ideal conditions for their survival.
Presence of Exoskeletons:
As cockroach nymphs grow, they undergo a process called molting, where they shed their rigid exoskeletons to allow for growth. Finding these discarded exoskeletons can be a strong indicator of an active infestation. As with color and size, the molting process is also different for different types of roaches.
Since American cockroaches are larger, they go through more stages of molting than other species, about 10 to 13 times, while German cockroaches only have 7 to 8 stages of molting.
Signs You Have A Baby Cockroach Infestation
Detecting a cockroach infestation early on can save you from the hassle of dealing with more severe problems later. Here are some signs that indicate the presence of baby cockroaches:
You Spot Them During The Day:
Cockroaches are primarily nocturnal creatures, so spotting them in daylight often suggests overcrowding in their usual hiding spots. If you’re regularly encountering nymphs in exposed areas or during daytime hours, it’s likely that their population has grown to a point where competition for space and resources is forcing them out into the open.
Droppings:
Cockroach droppings resemble small, dark specks similar to black pepper or coffee grounds. These droppings are often found in areas frequented by cockroaches, such as kitchen cabinets, drawers, or along baseboards. The size and quantity of droppings can give you an idea of the infestation’s severity. Fresh droppings are dark and moist, while older ones appear dry and crumbly.
Shed Skins:
As mentioned earlier, cockroach nymphs shed their skins multiple times as they grow. Finding these discarded exoskeletons around your home is a big sign that they’re around. These molted skins often accumulate in hidden areas like behind appliances, under sinks, or in cupboards. The number and size of the shed skins can provide clues about the age and number of nymphs in your home.
Egg Cases (Oothecae):
These are often found in dark, hidden places, such as under furniture or appliances. Each ootheca can contain multiple eggs, indicating the potential for a rapidly growing infestation. These egg cases are small, dark, and oval-shaped, resembling a tiny purse or bean. Finding even a single ootheca suggests that adult females are present and actively reproducing.
Unpleasant Odor:
A musty, unpleasant smell can be an indication of a large number of cockroaches. This distinctive odor comes from their pheromones and feces. As the infestation grows, the smell becomes more noticeable and pervasive. It’s often described as oily or musty, and may be particularly strong in areas where cockroaches congregate, such as behind walls or under floorboards.
What to Do Next: Crucial Tips For Getting Rid Of Baby Cockroaches
Once you’ve identified signs of a baby cockroach infestation, it’s crucial to act quickly. Here are steps to help you manage and eliminate the problem:
Step 1: Identify and Seal Entry Points
Inspect Your Home: Look for cracks, crevices, and other entry points where cockroaches could enter. Pay particular attention to areas around doors, windows, and plumbing fixtures.
Seal Gaps and Cracks: Use caulk or weather stripping to seal any gaps. Repair damaged screens on doors and windows.
Step 2: Eliminate Food and Water Sources
Keep Your Home Clean: Regularly clean your kitchen and dining area to eliminate food debris. Pay special attention to areas under your appliances or in the pantry.
Store Food Properly: Use airtight containers for food storage. Avoid leaving food out overnight, and clean up spills immediately.
Fix Leaks: Cockroaches need water to survive. Fix any leaks in your plumbing and avoid leaving standing water in sinks and tubs.
Step 3: Use Traps and Baits
Set Traps: Use cockroach traps to monitor and reduce the population. Place them in areas where you’ve noticed cockroach activity.
Apply Baits: Bait stations are an effective way to kill cockroaches. The cockroaches eat the bait and then spread it to others, helping to control the infestation.
Step 4: Consider Natural Remedies
Diatomaceous Earth: This is a natural powder that you can sprinkle near cracks or other areas where cockroaches travel. It dehydrates them and is safe for use around pets and children. Try to get a food-grade diatomaceous earth if you have pets in your home.
Boric Acid: Another natural option, boric acid can be used in cracks and crevices. It is toxic to cockroaches but should be used carefully around pets and children.
Best Cockroach Control Services In Tennessee!
At Jamison Pest and Lawn, we understand how distressing it can be to discover baby cockroaches in your home. These pests multiply rapidly and can quickly become a severe problem if you do not put a stop to it. That’s why we’re here to help you tackle this issue with our professional cockroach removal services.
Our team is efficient at offering the best pest control in Cordova, and the surrounding areas of Tennessee. Whether it is controlling cockroaches or mice, we do it all. Contact us today at (901) 457-1505 to learn more about the best pest control expert in town.
