How Fast Do Cockroaches Breed?

Cockroaches breed very quickly and a single female roach can produce twenty to thirty young within a year. Their reproductive rate is determined by the environment they live in, such as temperature and humidity. High temperatures and humidity encourage cockroach growth, but low temperatures and low humidity slow it down.

German cockroaches are among the fastest reproducing roaches. Their egg capsules can hold between 30 and 48 eggs. In a single year, a female German cockroach can lay four to eight egg capsules, each containing twenty to thirty eggs. The eggs hatch in 20-30 days and mature in about four to eight weeks. German cockroaches can produce up to three generations per year. During this time, the nymphs reach sexual maturity and can reproduce for up to a year.

German cockroaches begin breeding as nymphs. They are smaller than adult roaches and are brown in color. During this stage, they molt five to fourteen times and develop their wings. Once they have finished their growth, German roaches reach adulthood in about two to three years. They can produce hundreds of young in their lifetime.

Unlike many other insects, cockroaches can survive temperatures well below zero. Cockroaches are capable of holding their breath for up to 40 minutes, and can go for up to a week without food or water. Some species are able to survive cold temperatures for more than a year, so they can often be considered pests.