Why Am I Seeing Baby Roaches?

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If you've spotted tiny roaches crawling around in your home, you are likely wondering, "Do I have a cockroach infestation?" Sadly, the answer is almost certainly "yes." Seeing baby roaches, also known as nymphs, is not just a confirmation that roaches are present in your home; it is evidence that cockroaches have established themselves. In this pest article, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about baby roaches and cockroach infestations in Phoenix, Tucson, and Southern Arizona. If you need help, feel free to contact us. The Northwest Exterminating team is happy to answer questions and provide service options.

What do baby roaches mean?

When baby roaches appear in your home, it is a sign of a well-established roach infestation. Why? Because roaches go through several life stages, seeing nymphs likely means that adult roaches have already settled in, mated, and produced egg cases (known as oothecae). Each egg case can hold anywhere from 16 to 50 eggs, depending on the species. Keep this in mind as you consider the level of infestation. If you're only spotting a few baby roaches, there is a high chance that many more are lurking just out of sight.

Another fact to consider is that baby roaches don't stray far from their nests. Finding a few in your kitchen or pantry means you have an established population of cockroaches nearby. It's time to start pulling appliances out and checking every crack and crevice.

Is it possible to see baby roaches and not have a significant infestation? Yes, it is possible if one female laid one ootheca, and now you're seeing a few of the nymphs that hatched. But those baby roaches are going to grow up and become adults. If you don't have a major infestation when you first see cockroach nymphs, you won't have to wait long.

Common cockroaches in Arizona

Several cockroach species live in our service area. Each is unique. Let's take a closer look at each.

• German cockroaches (Blattella germanica)
  German cockroaches are by far the most common cockroach species. They are small, oval, and light brown, with two dark lines on the back. These roaches quickly grow a population inside structures because females can produce 30 or more nymphs each month. This species prefers warm and humid environments and is typically found in kitchens or bathrooms, and in other locations where food sources and moisture are abundant.
• American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana)
  American cockroaches are the largest species that infest homes in our region.  These roaches are easily identified by their size, but if you need more to go on, they are reddish-brown with yellow coloration on the back. These roaches prefer to live outdoors, where they can find humid and damp habitats, but they will get into homes and stay if conditions are ideal (or when outdoor conditions are unfavorable). When they decide to stay, they're a nightmare to control. If you have an American roach infestation, you'll likely find these pests in dirty and humid indoor spaces or the crawl space under your home.
• Smokybrown cockroaches (Periplaneta fuliginosa)
  These cockroaches look similar to American cockroaches—only they are smaller, darker, and lack the yellow coloration on the back. Looking at one, you might think it has a big black head, but the head and thorax have a dark coloration, making it appear like it has a big black head. You'll find smokybrown roaches in secluded spaces like your attic or garage.
• Oriental cockroaches (Blatta orientalis)
  These cockroaches look quite a bit different from the others listed here. They are shiny black or dark brown. Oriental cockroaches don't have fully developed wings that hang past the abdomen. Females have wing pads, and males have small, underdeveloped wings. If these roaches enter your home, they'll seek out damp spaces.

How Northwest Exterminating can help exterminate roaches

It is time to act if you've started seeing baby cockroaches in your home. You don't want the infestation to get worse. Contact Northwest Exterminating for treatment. Our licensed pest control specialists have the tools and expertise to address your roach problem and ensure no roaches remain in your home after treatment. Here's what you can expect:

• A thorough inspection
  Our pest pros begin by performing a thorough inspection of your home. We’ll identify the type of cockroach you're dealing with, locate their hiding spots, and assess the severity of your infestation. This allows us to develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
• Effective cockroach treatment
  We use proven methods to eliminate cockroaches in all life stages, including nymph and adult. Our treatments include baiting, residuals, and targeted applications to ensure that we address the problem at its source.
• Cockroach prevention and exclusion
  Once the cockroaches are gone, our Desert Guard service can help you prevent their return. This includes sealing up cracks and entry points and recommending removing cockroach attractants. Prevention is key to avoiding future infestations. We make sure you have the tools and knowledge to keep roaches at bay.
• Ongoing cockroach control
  Cockroach infestations can be challenging to eliminate, so we offer ongoing home pest control plans. Our regular monitoring and treatments help ensure that cockroaches don't make a comeback. Our residential plans also address other house-infesting insects and rodents!