Core biology & anatomy
Cockroaches are resilient insects with a flattened exoskeleton, long antennae, and specialized mouthparts for scavenging. Their segmented body and hardened cuticle make them adaptable to extreme environments and resistant to many control methods.
Life stages: egg, nymph, adult
- Egg (ootheca): The protective capsule holding multiple embryos.
- Nymph: Wingless juveniles that molt several times, developing adult traits.
- Adult: Fully formed, sexually mature cockroaches capable of reproduction.
Reproduction & ootheca
Female cockroaches produce oothecae to safeguard their eggs. Some species carry them until just before hatching, while others deposit them in safe crevices. Environmental factors such as warmth and humidity directly affect hatch rates and development speed.
Development timeline
- Egg incubation: 3–6 weeks (species-dependent)
- Nymph to adult: 6 weeks to several months (multiple molts)
- Adult lifespan: 6 months to over a year in optimal conditions
Why biology matters for prevention
Understanding how cockroaches grow and reproduce helps identify infestation points early. Preventive measures include sealing entry gaps, reducing moisture, and targeting oothecae before they hatch. Learn more practical methods in our main article:
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