How Long Do Cockroach Eggs Hatch?

Cockroaches lay eggs all over your home, including the kitchen, bathrooms and basement. Females usually deposit the eggs near food sources. The eggs are tiny, brown pill-like capsules. Cockroach nymphs will moult six to fourteen times before becoming an adult. The time required for cockroach eggs to hatch varies by species and location.

The average American roach female produces between 14 and 16 egg casings during her lifetime. The eggs take approximately 37 to 103 days to hatch, depending on temperature. Once laid, female roaches will carry the egg casing for about 24 hours and then deposit it in a protected location. They will do this near a food source and away from light.

Cockroaches have an average lifespan of one year. The length of the lifespan depends on temperature, environmental conditions and breeding conditions. Females begin breeding about half way through their lifespan. During this time, they are able to attract a mate using pheromones. Depending on breeding conditions, adult cockroaches can reproduce rapidly.

Cockroach eggs hatch out of a protective ootheca that a female cockroach builds to protect their eggs. It begins as a soft casing, but hardens over time to protect the eggs. The ootheca may contain up to 16 or 60 eggs at a time.