How Much Do Cockroaches Breed?
The basic question you may be asking is: “How much do cockroaches breed?” These insects reproduce very rapidly and can breed up to 48 times per egg. The number of egg cases that can be produced varies according to species. For instance, a German cockroach egg can produce up to 48 baby roaches. In contrast, an Oriental cockroach egg can produce up to 13 egg cases.
Roaches are very adaptable and incredibly prolific breeders. Their life cycle is so fast that they can easily spread through a home. Their preferred method of travel is sewer systems and sewer-clogged plumbing, but they can also enter your home via tubs and sinks. They can also hide in moving boxes, suitcases, and used furniture. Eventually, a single roach population can infest many homes.
One of the most common roach species in homes is the German cockroach, which reproduces the fastest among all species. Females can lay up to 50 eggs per month and give birth up to six times a year. In the course of a single year, a single female can produce as many as 300 nymphs. Their eggs hatch within 24 hours and their young reach sexual maturity in 90 days.
In terms of size, the American cockroach is larger than its German counterpart. Its egg cases are three-eighths of an inch long and are usually medium brown. Within a few days, they darken to almost black. Each case can contain up to 16 or 18 eggs. A German cockroach female lays egg cases every six weeks, and lays up to eight oothecae throughout her life. Consequently, a single German cockroach female can have hundreds of cockroach babies.