Cockroaches are among the most common house pests you can encounter these days and that’s no surprise. They are persistent and adaptable, which makes them a formidable enemy. And you can be sure that once they find the perfect living environment, they will only multiply, hiding their eggs in places beyond your reach.
In this post, you will find out how to identify cockroach eggs, where cockroaches usually lay their eggs, and how to kill the eggs using natural and other means.
Actually, the eggs’ appearance and hatching location is telling of what type of species is infesting the home. The egg cases, also known as ootheca, remind of small round beans with distinctive edges on the sides.
The usual colour is dark brown, but this may vary depending on the type of cockroach. For instance, the ootheca of the German cockroach can be light and yellow. The size also ranges, as the eggs of the American and Oriental roaches are distinctively longer.
The main force that drives most types of pests is food and that’s no different when it comes to cockroaches. They favour a damp environment and need to be close to a food source to feed themselves and the future baby roaches.
Therefore, the kitchen and bathroom are two of the high-risk areas where the insects may nest. For more specific parts, as well as other attractive house areas, check the list below.
These are just to name a few. You know your home best, so make sure you check any other parts of the property that are warm, humid and provide easy access to food.
These insects can be extremely annoying. Once your home has been infested, it may be very hard to get rid of the cockroaches and their nests. Something that may destroy the adult roach won’t necessarily kill the eggs, too. And, of course, killing the adults won’t eliminate the ootheca that’s been already hidden in the property.
So, what can you do? Well, you divide and conquer. If there is an ongoing infestation, taking care of the eggs is a good starting point. Here’s how to take care of the cockroach eggs:
Sometimes the process is not that simple. Therefore, we have described several other DIY methods to help in your fight with these pesky house intruders. Some of them are eco-friendly, in case you worry about your children or pets’ safety, while others are chemical products. Hopefully, you will find the solution that works for you best!
Diatomaceous earth is a great choice when it comes to killing cockroach eggs. We recommend trying this method when you are sure there is already an ongoing infestation in your house.
It’s made of marine phytoplankton, which is toxic to roaches and can dehydrate the ootheca. Make sure to buy the food-grade version. Then sprinkle the powder in places where you frequently see roaches.
As we’ve mentioned before, you will have to go after the eggs, as well as the adults to free your home from the pest completely. You can try this method to eliminate the producers of the eggs.
In a small container (or a bottle), make a mixture of equal parts baking soda and sugar. Sprinkle it at places where you’ve seen cockroaches. This is one of the easiest roach killers. The sugar attracts the roach, while the baking soda takes care of the rest.
Insect growth regulators are special kind of substances that are often used to control pest infestations, especially those of cockroaches. One of the ways they help is by making the adult insects sterile, hence, removing the possibility of an infestation spreading through ootheca.
They can also stop the cockroaches’ eggs normal development, which leads to their death. While effective, these products are also considered non-toxic for pets, as well as humans. However, a downside is that they may not be cost-effective, depending on the type or amount you need to purchase.
Still, if you decide to use them, it is important to read and follow the instructions that go with the product carefully. You can also consult with a professional if you are not sure where and how to properly apply it or if there is already a severe infestation in the place.
Check for a reliable specialist in your area.
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My condominium complex is infested with cockroaches.
It is a 12 units.
What can we do?