Are Cockroach Eggs Hard?
WouterWhen cockroaches lay eggs, you might wonder if they are hard. Roaches have multiple eggs that are enclosed in a casing called an ootheca. This casing is made from a protein substance that is produced by the female roach. The roach eggs are protected by this hard shell for a few hours. This protective shell is used to protect the eggs from predators and the elements.
The shells of cockroach eggs vary from species to species. Egg cases typically measure between 0.5 and 14 millimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inches), and they can be white or reddish-brown when they first hatch. In general, most roach species produce reddish-brown egg casings. Some egg casings are ridged, while others do not. In addition, some egg casings may appear swollen or bumpy.
Cockroaches normally live in kitchens, bathrooms, and other places where they can find food and water. It is possible that you may find a nest of eggs while you are cleaning your home. If so, you can crush or vacuum the eggs to get rid of them. In case of an infestation, you can also dispose of the eggs by throwing them in your outdoor trash can. If you do not want to deal with the adult cockroaches, you can use residual pesticides to kill the eggs.
Cockroach eggs are formed in egg casings called “ootheca.” These egg cases harden within a few hours to protect the eggs from predators. The oothecae of cockroaches are reddish or yellowish in color, with parallel transversal lines and bilateral symmetry. They range from 5 to 13 millimeters long. Cockroaches can lay up to 20 eggs per female during their lifetime.
