Why They Matter?

Cockroaches contaminate food/surfaces and are major asthma/allergy triggers due to potent indoor allergens. 

Common signs

>Pepper-like droppings, egg cases (ootheca), shed skins, musty odor
>Activity in kitchens, drains, warm/moist voids at night

IPM prevention

>Nightly kitchen cleanup; fix leaks; declutter; cover drains
>Seal cracks/crevices; deny food/water; sticky traps for monitoring

Life Cycle

Egg capsules (ootheca) → Nymph → Adult
>One female can produce up to 300–400 offspring in her lifetime

Seasonal Activity

>Active year-round, but infestations peak in warm months

Professional treatments (when needed)

Bait gels + IGRs as first line; targeted dusts in voids; limited crack-and-crevice sprays (not broadcast) after monitoring.

Cockroaches have survived for millions of years thanks to their adaptability. They hide in kitchens, drains, and dark, moist places. Most infestations in India involve the German cockroach, American cockroach, and Oriental cockroach.