Some pests wake up when the lights go out. These tiny creatures are n’o lazy; they’re just shy of light. When it gets dark, cockroaches come out from where they hid. 

But what drives them? Let us look at how cockroaches live, grow, and reproduce to really understand what they do in the dark. Discover more on your page. 

Beginning as an Egg 

Cockroaches all start out their lives in something called an ootheca. The female cockroach makes this small, brown, hard capsule. It has a few eggs inside. With different kinds of cockroaches, there may be anywhere from 10 to 50 eggs inside.

Certain species, like the German cockroach, carry their eggs until they are almost ready to hatch. They put it behind stoves, under sinks, or in cabinets, where no one can see it. It’s warm and damp here, which is great for hatching.

The egg stage can last anywhere from a few weeks to over a month, depending on temperature, humidity, and species. 

Becoming a Nymph 

Nymphs are the young roaches that come out when the eggs hatch. At first, they are white, small, and soft. Over time, they get tougher and turn brown. Nymphs do not have wings and can’t have babies yet.

They go through a series of molts. They lose their skin and grow a new one. They get bigger and more like adult cockroaches every time they change.

There are many risks at this time. Nymphs are more vulnerable to predators, hunger, and dryness. But if they have enough food and a place to live, they grow quickly.

This stage can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the species and the environment. 

Reaching Adulthood 

Nymphs turn into adult cockroaches after their last molt. Now, they are able to have babies. Some, like American cockroaches, have wings and can fly for short distances. Some, like German cockroaches, have wings but don’t fly very often.

Cockroach adults can live for several months, and in some cases, they can even live for almost a year. They spend most of their time hiding, searching for food, and mating.

What’s strange is how quickly they grow. In just a few months, a single female German cockroach can have hundreds of babies. 

Differences Between Species 

Cockroaches are not all the same. Different species grow and act in different ways. Take a quick look: 

It takes some species less time to grow. Some are harder to spot. This makes it hard to get rid of pests when you do not know what kind is in your home. 

The Nighttime Surge 

Cockroaches stay away from light. That’s why you do not see them very often during the day. But they come to life at night, especially after the lights are off. They look for food scraps, drops of water, and safe places to hide or lay their eggs.

If you turn the lights on suddenly and spot one running away, there are likely many more nearby. They are good at hiding. They live in cracks in furniture, walls, and even cabinets.

Most of the time, they are busiest between midnight and 4 AM. They eat, mate, and look around at that time. 

Get Help From a Professional 

It may look like cockroaches are simple bugs, but their life cycle is very smart and tough. They are survivors. They move quickly and can hide well from egg to adult. They don’t come out until it’s dark and quiet outside.

What should you remember the next time you turn off the light and hear a small rustle? It could be something small, ancient, and very alive starting its night. The next time you notice a cockroach scurrying around, call a professional pest control agency immediately.