How Small Do Cockroaches Start Out?

Cockroaches begin their lives as tiny nymphs. They are brown and flat, have two long antennae and spiny legs, and are wingless. Although some species grow wings as adults, most do not. The larvae are unable to fly, so they live and hide in tight crevices or underground burrows. If you see a cockroach in your home, chances are it has just emerged from a nest nearby.

Adult cockroaches lay eggs in egg cases that are dark brown and oval-shaped. The egg cases are usually about six to ten mm long. The female roach may deposit the egg case right away, or she may carry it to a safe location, where it will hatch. This process takes between 10 and 20 days.

Baby cockroaches begin out white and eventually darken to a dark brown color. They lack wings and molt several times during their life. They can carry pathogens and bacteria, and can cause allergic reactions if they contact food. Baby cockroaches are not dangerous to humans, but you should take precautions to prevent their infestation.

Baby cockroaches are also known as nymphs. When they are first emerging, they are white and lack wings. As they grow older, they will begin to grow wings and become an adult. The life cycle of a cockroach is usually two to three months long, but this can vary greatly.