What are Baby Cockroaches?

Though baby cockroaches are small, they are still fierce. The term baby cockroach is used to describe a cockroach in the nymph stage. Spotting one of these cockroaches is often a warning sign of a bigger problem. We’ve gathered information about baby cockroaches to help you identify and eliminate an infestation.                                       

What Do Baby Cockroaches Look Like?

Baby cockroaches look like smaller versions of adult cockroaches. However, they are white after they first hatch. Within several hours, they will darken. Cockroach nymphs don’t have fully developed wings, and some don’t have wings at all. They molt several times before reaching adulthood. The coloring of baby cockroaches varies by species.

• American Baby Cockroach: Grayish-brown, later becomes red
• German Baby Cockroach: Darker than adults, have a tan stripe on their back
• Oriental Baby Cockroach: Reddish-brown with light and dark bands
• Brown-Banded Baby Cockroach: Dark brown with yellow markings on their abdomen

As these cockroaches molt, their size and coloring will evolve until they more closely resemble adult cockroaches.

What Size Are Baby Cockroaches?

The size of baby cockroaches varies by species. German and brown-banded cockroaches are about 1/8ʺ. Oriental baby cockroaches and American baby cockroaches are about 1/4ʺ in length.

How Big Will Cockroaches Get?

German and brown-banded baby cockroaches will grow up to ½ʺ. Oriental cockroaches can reach 1ʺ in length. American cockroaches are one of the largest species and can grow up to 3ʺ in length.

Are Baby Cockroaches Dangerous?

It’s important to not judge a baby cockroach by its size. These cockroaches still pose a threat to you and your home. Like adult cockroaches, they have the potential to contaminate food sources and prep areas. It won’t be long until these cockroaches reach their full size. While American cockroaches live outside and enter homes in search of food and shelter, German cockroaches prefer to live indoors. They breed in hidden areas making it difficult to identify and control an infestation.

Is Seeing One Baby Cockroach a Problem?

Spotting one baby cockroach may not seem like a big deal, but it could be an indication of an infestation. There is rarely just one cockroach nymph by itself. Adult female cockroaches are able to reproduce quickly. They produce egg cases, called oothecae, which can contain up to 50 eggs depending on the species. They’ll be able to lay between 6-30 cases during their adult life.

Since cockroaches have relatively short lifespans, this means they will be able to produce many cockroaches in a short timeframe, leading to an infestation. As these baby cockroaches develop, they will begin to reproduce causing their numbers to grow. This makes it difficult to control a cockroach infestation.

How to Prevent Baby Cockroaches

There are preventative measures you can take to help keep cockroaches away from your home. Cockroaches enter homes looking for food, water, and shelter. By eliminating these things from your home, they won’t want to stay

• Clean Regularly: Vacuum, sweep up crumbs, and wipe up any spills to eliminate potential food sources.
• Pick Up Pet Food: Cockroaches will nibble on pet food, so make sure to pick it up at night.
• Remove Clutter: Clutter serves as potential hiding spots for cockroaches. Remove piles of paper and cardboard boxes. Store your items in plastic containers with lids to help keep cockroaches away.
• Eliminate Moisture: Check for leaky pipes and moisture build-up. Replace your pet’s water bowl frequently to help ensure you don’t attract any cockroaches.

How to Get Rid of Baby Cockroaches

If you spot a baby cockroach, you’ll want to act quickly to eliminate the infestation. Sprays are a great way to eliminate the cockroaches you see scurrying around your home. Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Ant & Roach Killer spray will kill on contact and provide you with residual repellency. Though the residues aren’t harmful to people and pets, they will deter cockroaches from returning. 

To keep your home cockroach-free, you have to eliminate the source of the infestation. Using a bait like, Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Roach Killer Gel Bait, will help you with this task. When cockroaches eat the bait and return to the nest, other cockroaches are exposed to it. This happens when they consume the cockroach’s droppings or the cockroach after it dies. It’s important to remember not to place baits near sprayed areas. The spray will repel cockroaches and keep them from eating the bait.

Don’t let the nickname baby cockroach trick you. These cockroach nymphs are just as worrisome as adult cockroaches. If these pests are in your house, there’s a good chance an infestation is hiding in your home. If bugs are giving you a fit, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Pest Control products.