Why Do Cockroaches Turn White?
WouterCockroaches that turn white are simply cockroaches that have shed their exoskeletons. This is a natural occurrence for some roach species. During the molting process, their exoskeletons become smooth and pliable and they need time to regain their pigmentation. This process can last minutes or hours.
While albino animals are rare, it is possible to find white cockroaches in the wild. Cockroaches do not have albinism and will eventually return to their original color. Because their exoskeletons are soft and squishy, they cannot move as quickly as other roaches. However, if you see them in your home, they should be treated with extreme caution, as they can cause allergic reactions, food poisoning, and can worsen any conditions you might have.
To understand why cockroaches turn white, you must understand how a cockroach molts. The roach sheds its old exoskeleton to develop a new one that is soft and white. This process can take several minutes or even hours, depending on the age of the roach. In general, cockroaches molt several times throughout their life.
A white roach is especially cautious when molting. Once it molts, it looks similar to a normal roach, except it does not have stingers. During this process, the cockroach will seek a sheltered place and hide until its exoskeleton hardens.
