How Far Do Baby Cockroaches Travel?

Cockroaches are mostly nocturnal and spend the day in hiding, but sometimes they crawl out for protection or food. While baby roaches are not able to fly, they are fast. They have strong spiny legs and can maneuver through tight spaces. In fact, some species of cockroaches don’t even develop wings until they become adults.

The roach nymph molt process takes from 40 days to more than 160 days, depending on the species. The duration of a roach’s molting process depends on its temperature and other environmental factors. It’s important to know that cockroaches are not only pests but also carriers of disease.

Female American cockroaches lay six to nine egg cases in their lifetimes, each containing about 15 eggs. They carry these oothecae for several hours or even days before depositing them in a hidden location. The oothecae contain 15 embryos and emerge as babies between 24 and 38 days. Oriental cockroaches, on the other hand, produce egg cases with a dark reddish-brown color. Their eggs are about three to eight millimeters long and contain 16 eggs.

While most cockroaches don’t travel far, the baby cockroach can be a warning sign that a roach nest has already been established in your home. It is vital to remove the nest and control the roach population as quickly as possible to protect your family’s health.