You may have stumbled across this blog because you’ve seen a cockroach egg and are looking for answers, or you may simply be curious about the little pests. More specifically, you may be wondering if roaches lay eggs in your clothes. We’re here to give you an informed answer and also to let you know there’s always help around the corner. At Pestech, we provide green pest solutions for residences in Utica, Batavia, Wappingers Falls, Ferndale or other areas across the state of New York.

Do Cockroaches Lay Eggs in Clothes?

The short answer is yes. Cockroaches can lay eggs in clothes. Cockroaches prefer nesting in areas that are more likely to absorb their strong odor — places where you store paper, cardboard or wood. Thus, if you store your clothes in a wooden dresser, cockroaches will be more likely to lay eggs in your clothes.

For the most part, cockroaches are found in kitchens, bathrooms or other areas that may be warm and moist. The insects also seek out food and water, so if they do find a way into your home or garage, they’ll seek out areas that have crumbs or traces of leftover food. Places to check regularly in your home for signs of cockroach activity include:

• Baseboards
• Appliances
• Sinks
• Countertops
• Water heater closets
• Trash cans
• Recycling bins
• Basements
• Laundry rooms
• Any place where snacks may be consumed

Pantries, cupboards and dresser drawers may be culprits for cockroach eggs as well.

What Do Cockroach Eggs Look Like?

Cockroaches lay multiple eggs at one time inside a single casing called an ootheca, and these cases are dark-brown or reddish-brown. They range in size from 5 to 13 mm long. Finding a visible cockroach egg case can be a sign of an infestation in your home.

Oothecae can vary in appearance depending on the species as well. In general, most oothecae are white and darken over time. You can differentiate between different cockroach species by looking for ridges on the outsides of the egg casings. Oothecae produced by German and brown-banded cockroaches have ridges, while oothecae made by American and Oriental cockroaches are bloated and ridge-free.

Some different species of cockroaches include:

• Oriental
• Dubia
• Ectobius
• Australian
• German
• Brown-banded
• Asian
• Florida woods
• Smoky brown
• Cuban
• Wood
• Surinam

How to Keep Cockroaches From Laying Eggs in Your Clothes

To keep cockroaches from laying eggs in your clothes, you first need to prevent them from getting comfortable in your home. To keep cockroaches away from areas such as basements, laundry rooms closets or dresser drawers, try following these tips:

• Seal crevices cockroaches may lay eggs or hide.
• Clean spilled food or drinks immediately and seal up leftovers and wash dirty dishes and utensils as soon as possible.
• Empty the kitchen trash daily and make sure to tie up the bags tightly before placing them outside.
• Dispose of newspaper, bags, boxes and other types of clutter to eliminate roach hiding places.
• When storing boxes in an enclosed space, make sure there’s room between packages.

If you suspect cockroaches are laying eggs in your clothes, try washing all fabrics and calling a professional to perform a thorough inspection of all areas you keep your clothes.

Contact Us About a Cockroach Problem Today

If you’re ready to say goodbye to the cockroaches in your home or business for good, we’re here to help! Pestech offers inspections, comprehensive pest control services or even just routine maintenance that best supports your needs. We are the largest family-owned Pest Management company in New York State and are known for providing the highest quality pest control services.

Our team of experienced professionals offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee that even the most difficult pest issues get solved. Contact us online to schedule an inspection or call us today for a free quote.

Contact Us About Cockroaches Problem