Baby Cockroach – How to get rid of them

Just like all other species of animals, back cockroaches are also smaller forms of adult roaches. In addition to the size, baby roaches do not have wings which adults have. They are often of lighter shade as compared to adults, the exception being juvenile German roaches which are darker. A baby cockroach has six legs that it uses to scurry along surfaces. Its tarsi feature special tiny pads that allow it to walk up walls and on ceilings. A newly hatched baby cockroach can run almost as fast as an adult roach.

There more than 4000 varied species of cockroaches on the planet. The pests can live without their heads for nearly 7 days. They do not require their heads or mouths for respiration due to the open circulatory system. They die because without their heads they can’t eat or drink. They are cold blooded and can live without food for 30 days, but they can live for only a week without water. They can survive underwater for around half an hour and can hold their breath for nearly 45 minutes. A few types of roaches are American cockroach, Oriental roach, Brown-Banded roach, and German cockroach. The pests have a lifespan of around 1 year.

Baby Cockroach – Pictures

Life of baby cockroach

An egg case called oothecae, containing a large quantity of eggs, is laid by female roaches. German cockroaches can lay nearly 50 eggs at one go. This means that there will be 50 baby roaches running around the house, spreading disease.

The egg is covered by a protein matter which later solidifies and forms a protective shell. Baby cockroaches are born from these eggs. Females may carry the egg case till it is time for eggs to hatch, or they may lay it somewhere and leave it. Females can produce numerous egg cases in one lifetime.

Like other insects, cockroaches also go through varied molting stages before becoming adults. Nymphs break out of the eggs in around 20 to 59 days. It later grows wings and finishes different molting processes to develop into an adult roach. A baby cockroach typically undergoes 6 to 7 instars  ( stage between two periods  of the development of an invertebrate or insect larva)  before growing into an adult. As per the roach species and the surrounding temperature, the process of growing up into an adult occurs in 40 to 159 days.

Why kill baby cockroach?

Just like adult roaches, baby cockroaches are also carriers of different diseases, germs, and parasites. If they are not eradicated quickly, they can rapidly spread across the house and wreak havoc. They will also soon grow up into adult cockroaches and result in an infestation. The presence of baby roaches is also an indication that adults are busy reproducing somewhere in the house. Hence, the pests have to be eliminated.

How to get rid of baby roaches?

The process of getting rid of baby cockroach is the same as exterminating adult roaches. Follow the below listed steps to eradicate baby cockroaches from the house:

• Search the house for gaps and cracks in places like molding, doors, Internal and external pipes, windows, floors, walls, baseboards, decks, steps, porches, the roof, the foundation of the house, and all other places from where the pests can crawl through.
  • You may then use foam or caulk to seal these cracks and holes. Caulk is normally used for small gaps of less than half an inch, while foam is used for bigger cracks. Caulk is also used in visible places; in joints and other flexible places; and in areas that need detailed work. Foam is preferred for areas with dry areas with minimal or no moisture; for gaps that cannot be reached easily; and for places where insulation is required.

• If the pests are few in number, then soap and water can be used to remove them. Water does not kill the roaches, but the soap blocks their pores, thereby causing suffocation and death.
• You may use natural baby cockroach repellants around the house to get rid of them. You may use catnip, bay leaves, citrus-based products, or osage orange oil.
• Use roach traps, like sticky pads, to catch the critters. You may use pesticides, sprays, and powders to kill them.
• Borax powder is an effective way to get rid of baby cockroach. It dries the exoskeleton of the pest, causing dehydration and eventual death. Sprinkle it at different areas frequented by roaches, like kitchen counters, sinks, underneath stoves, appliances, etc. Borax does not cause immediate demise. However, an infected baby roach may carry the powder to the nest or congregating areas and infect other roaches. The household cleaner is not toxic, but care has to be taken to keep it out of reach of pets and children.
• Boric acid powder is more toxic than borax and kills roaches. It works in the same manner as borax. You may use it along with sugar (to attract the pests) to eradicate baby cockroaches from your home.
  • It is necessary to clean up and remove the dead bodies as they can produce a foul stench. Roaches also eat the dead bodies, thereby becoming a new food source and thus allowing them to thrive.
• In addition to the above things, it is vital to ensure that the house remains clean and tidy as well as remove all the things that attract the pests, i.e., water, food, and shelter. Hence,
  • Do not leave standing water. Fix all leakages in pipes.
  • Do not leave food out in the open. Store them in Ziploc bags or in sealed containers.
  • Regularly take out the trash
  • Do not leave dirty plates in the sink. Remove all food scraps from the dishes and wash them after meals.
  • Clean and swap the floor after cooking to remove food particles
  • Regularly clean all appliances
  • Do not keep cardboard boxes, bags, etc. lying around as it can be shelter, nesting places for roaches.
  • If possible, use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in the air.

In case baby cockroaches persist despite the above measures, hire an exterminator.