There are several hundred species of cockroaches in the world. The smallest cockroaches are the German and Brown-Banded. They are close to the same size and the adult seldom exceeds more than 5/8" in length. The larger cockroaches, the American, the Oriental and the Smokybrown, range in size from 1 1/4" to 2" long, and are typically found outdoors. They may occasionally invade structures or get carried indoors.
The cockroach has three life stages: the egg, nymph and adult. Cockroach eggs are deposited in a leathery capsule called an ootheca. This capsule is usually dropped or glued to a surface by the female as soon as it is formed; however, the German cockroach carries the egg capsule protruding from her body until the eggs are ready to hatch. There may be from 30-48 eggs in the German cockroach egg capsule. Other cockroaches may have only 10-28 eggs per capsule.
Newly hatched nymphs have no wings and they shed their skins (molt) several times before becoming winged adults. German and Brown-Banded cockroaches develop quickly and may have several generations per year, but the larger outdoor species may require up to a year or more to develop from egg to adult.
Cockroaches hide in dark, sheltered places during the day and come out to feed at night. This is called nocturnal behavior. They may be found around kitchen sinks or drain boards, in cracks around, inside and beneath cabinets (especially upper corners), behind drawers, around pipes and conduits, behind window and door frames, in cracks and voids behind baseboards and moldings, under tables and chairs, in bathrooms, and in television and appliance cabinets.
The German cockroach is usually found in the kitchen and bathroom, although it may be found throughout the home. The other species of cockroaches prefer damp, warm places and usually develop in garages, sewers, attics, storerooms and similar locations. They may enter the home from outside breeding sites.
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