Breaking Down the Cockroach Life Stages with Zap’s Expert Insight
Quick Growth, Big Problems
From egg to nymph to full-grown adult, the cockroach’s growth is fast and predictable. Stay ahead of the infestation—reach out to our team before these pests take over.
Egg
Before hatching, cockroach eggs are safely stored in a protective case known as an ootheca. These cases, brown and pill-shaped, measure about 6–9 millimeters and can contain dozens of eggs. Depending on the type of cockroach, the female may either carry the case or hide it in a dark, sheltered area
ZAP’s Must-Know Fact: Stepping on a tough ootheca may spread live eggs rather than destroy them. These hard-to-destroy pests are better ZAPPED away by our pest control experts.
Nymph
Once cockroach eggs hatch, the emerging nymphs begin a long developmental stage. These juveniles are wingless and start out nearly white, slowly darkening as they molt. From a starting size of about 2 mm, they can grow to 15 mm, passing through several molting stages—sometimes completing this phase in weeks, but often taking years to fully mature.
Full-Grown Adult Cockroach
In their adult stage, roaches are capable of rapid population growth. Depending on species, adults may grow anywhere from 1/2 inch to 2 inches long and typically develop wings. While some can fly, others rarely do. Their lifespan is significant—several months to a couple of years—and their ability to reproduce every few weeks makes them especially difficult to control without intervention.
See the Signs & Know the Signs
Seeing signs like small nymphs or molted shells suggests cockroaches are already reproducing in your space. These stages often go unnoticed until the infestation becomes harder to control—so catching them early makes all the difference.