Do Cockroaches Build Nests?

Unlike ants, termites, and other eusocial insects, cockroaches do not build nests. Since roaches don’t work together to tend young and feed each other, they don’t need nests. They also don’t have a “queen” like these other pests – which is part of why it’s so hard to take them down. 

Whenever you see a single roach, there could be hundreds more of them hiding nearby. Understanding roach behavior is the first step towards preventing an infestation.

Where Do Roaches Gather?

Roaches do, however, congregate in certain places where there are many useful resources for them. This is usually somewhere hidden away from people, in a dark and warm area with easy access to food and water. 

There are a few different places in your home or business where roaches tend to gather. Roaches, like every other living thing, have three basic needs: food, water, and shelter. These needs are easily met all in one place – the human home.

Places you might accidentally disturb a roach nest include:

• Under old furniture. Move your furniture and clean under it regularly. This makes it a less inviting hiding place.
• Near any plumbing fixture. Make sure your plumbing isn’t leaking; this removes a potential water source.
• In the crawlspace. This is a safe and spacious hiding place with easy access to the entire house. From the crawlspace, roaches could even make their way into the walls.
• In the pantry. Always keep your shelf-stable food in airtight containers to make sure pests can’t get to it.

What Do Roach Eggs Look Like?

Roach eggs’ appearance varies based on the type of roach laying them. Roach eggs are laid about 30 at a time in egg cases known as oothecae (singular: ootheca). In general, oothecae are small – usually less than a centimeter long – and brown in color. The exact color, size, and shape will vary by species.

Where Will I Find Roach Eggs?

Female roaches carry the ootheca for a few days after laying, and then deposit them somewhere out of the way. You’re unlikely to stumble upon one unless you’re looking for them, as they are usually well-hidden in many of the same places you’ll find adult roaches.

Dealing With Roaches in Central Florida? Call Forest Pest Control

The Forest Pest Control team has been helping home and business owners all over Central Florida with pest problems of all kinds since 1991. For 33 years, we’ve been the go-to pest control choice in the area. Roaches can be difficult or impossible to deal with on your own; you need a team that can make sure your problem is dealt with completely, and stays gone in the future. That’s just what our team brings to every job.

Give us a call to get started with a free estimate!