Seeing baby roaches crawling on your floor or hiding under appliances may not feel like a big deal at first. They are little, quick, and don’t seem to be dangerous. But their existence is typically a warning sign: if you see baby roaches, there are probably adults around, and the problem is getting worse.
Taking action early is the best way to keep a roach problem from getting worse. This tutorial will show you how to tell the difference between baby roaches and other types of bugs, explain why they are a symptom of a bigger problem, and provide you with tips on how to get rid of them quickly so they don’t take over your home.
What Are Baby Roaches and Why Should You Be Concerned?
Nymphs, or baby roaches, are cockroaches that have just hatched and don’t have wings yet. They are usually about the size of a grain of rice, and they can be light or dark brown. They move quickly and don’t pose the same urgent health risks as adult roaches. Yet they do mean that there is active breeding going on in or near your home.
Cockroaches have a lot of babies. A female can lay a lot of eggs at once, and those eggs may turn into young roaches in just a few weeks. If you notice even a couple of them, it’s likely that an infestation has already started.
How to Get Rid of Baby Roaches Fast
1. Identify Where They’re Coming From
Start by checking warm, dark, and damp areas of your home. Common hiding spots include:
- Behind toilets and under sinks
- Inside cabinets and pantries
- In the back of the kitchen appliances
- In wall cracks and under wallpaper
This is the best time to plug up gaps, get rid of hiding locations, and stop roaches from coming back if you’re going to rebuild your kitchen or bathroom. This guide to a luxury kitchen remodel on a budget will show you some smart ways to improve the space and add finishing touches. You may also receive creative ideas for bathroom wallpaper.
2. Clean and Declutter Daily
Roaches eat even the tiniest crumbs, grease, and moisture every day. Keep surfaces clean, take out the trash often, and don’t leave dirty dishes out overnight. Get rid of clutter so there are fewer areas for baby roaches to hide.
3. Vacuum and Sweep Often
Not only can vacuuming often get rid of food particles, but it can also take up roaches and their eggs. Pay attention to places where roaches are likely to run and hide, like under the stove, the refrigerator, and the baseboards.
4. Seal Entry Points
Roaches love to get into tiny holes and fractures in walls, windows, and doors. Seal these doors and windows with caulk or weather stripping to keep bugs from coming in again.
5. Remove Water Sources
Roaches, especially nymphs, need water to live. Make sure your sinks and surfaces stay dry overnight by fixing faulty faucets and wiping off standing water. A tiny drop can be enough to keep a nest of young roaches alive.
FAQ: Everything You Didn’t Know About Roaches
Can roaches fly?
Some grown-up roaches can fly, but newborn roaches can’t. One method to identify nymphs from adults is that their wings aren’t fully grown yet. Even though they have wings, most roaches would rather run than fly.
What do cockroaches hate?
Strong fragrances like peppermint oil, lemon, and eucalyptus make cockroaches sick. They also stay away from places that are clean and bright. If you keep your home bright and clean, they might not want to move in.
How long can a roach live?
Depending on the type of cockroach, how much food it can find, and where it can hide, it can live for up to a year. Under the correct conditions, baby roaches can become adults in just a few weeks. That’s why it’s important to act quickly.
Can cockroaches bite?
Yes, but it’s not common. Cockroaches can bite people, especially when there isn’t much food around. Most of the time, bites happen at night and cause mild irritation or redness.
Why are cockroaches called cockroaches?
The Spanish term cucaracha is where the name “cockroach” derives from. English speakers changed the way the word was spelled and pronounced over time, which is how we got the word we use today.
What repels cockroaches?
Your best defence is cleanliness, along with natural fragrances like bay leaves and essential oils. Cockroaches stay away from places that are dry, have cracks sealed, and have food stored appropriately.
Final Thoughts
Don’t think it’s a tiny concern if you notice baby roaches. It typically signifies that cockroaches are reproducing nearby and that the infestation is only starting.
You can get rid of baby roaches and keep your home from being a good place for other pests to live by acting quickly, preventing them, and cleaning regularly. Keep track of where they are hiding, seal off their entry ways, and cut back on the food and water that keep them coming back.
It’s also an excellent opportunity to pest-proof your home if you’re currently making changes to your kitchen or bathroom.
Roaches can be a pain, but if you know what to do, you can halt them in their tracks before they become a much greater problem.
