Cockroaches
Cockroaches have bodies that are flat and oval-shaped. Depending on the temperature of their environment, the bodies of cockroaches are oily to the touch and can be cold or warm. The head of a cockroach is small and is covered by a pronotum-like shield. The mouth of a cockroach is guided downwards and backwards.
There are six long, spiny legs for cockroaches that allows them to run quickly across almost any surface. For scaling surfaces, the specialized pads are located in their tarsi are used and also allow walking on walls and ceilings.
Some cockroach species have wings that are flattened against their backs, but these wings are not used for flight by all cockroaches.
How Cockroaches Came to Your Homes
People also accuse poor housekeeping of a cockroach epidemic. While it is helpful and very important to clean floors, kitchens, and bathrooms to minimize food sources used by cockroaches, they can get inside and, for other reasons, cause an infestation. These pests will catch a ride on infested objects brought inside, get inside through cracks and gaps in the exterior of the house, enter through drains or sewer pipes, and when attracted to lights, a few species of cockroaches can fly inside.
Life Cycle of Cockroaches
Production
Before becoming adults, cockroaches undergo egg and nymphal processes. In resilient egg cases known as oothecae, eggs produced by female cockroaches are enclosed. The cockroach species’ oothecae contain a variety of species-dependent nymph numbers. The time it takes for eggs to hatch into nymphs often varies between species and depends on the conditions of the climate.
Eggs
Egg cases, known as oothecae, are formed by female cockroaches. There are several eggs in Oothecae and they are enveloped by a protein substance that slowly hardens into a solid, protective casing. The egg case is dropped by certain cockroach species, while other species transport it before the eggs are ready to hatch.
Nymph
Due to the cumulative pressure of the hatchlings inside, cockroach eggs hatch. This immature type of cockroach is referred to as a nymph or baby cockroach after emerging from the egg case, or ootheca. Nymphs are originally bright white in colour. Via the air intake, they enlarge and within hours they can harden and darken.
With each progressive molt, Cockroach nymphs are grayish-brown in color and darkening. The length of nymphal growth for adults varies from months to over a year. Cockroach nymphs, like their adult counterparts, are identical. Nymphs of cockroaches undergo a series of molts. From their final mold, they emerge as full grown-ups.
Adult
The adult cockroach arrives on the scene once the nymph stage is complete. By their greater size and the appearance of wings, adults of several species can be distinguished from nymphs. However, even as adults, a few species of cockroach, including the Madagascar hissing cockroach, lack wings.
How to Get Rid of Cockroaches
The amount of time it takes to get rid of a cockroach infestation in your home largely depends on the nature and scale of the infestation. Many over-the-counter items that homeowners use sometimes prove ineffective against the infestation of cockroaches. These pests are highly adaptable and may even be immune to certain techniques of home extermination. To completely remove such pests from your home, contact Benlux Hygiene.