What Do Baby Cockroaches Look Like?

Baby cockroaches, or nymphs, resemble miniature versions of adult roaches. They vary in color from light to dark brown, are typically wingless, and their appearance can differ slightly depending on the species.

While getting a glass of water at night, you notice a tiny shadow darting across your kitchen counter. Upon closer inspection, it appears to be a small, black, oval-shaped insect.

Could it be a baby cockroach?

Baby cockroaches, or “nymphs,” might seem less threatening than adults, but they shouldn’t be overlooked. Seeing one often signals a larger infestation. This article will help you identify baby cockroaches and understand how to protect your home—and peace of mind—from these unwelcome pests.

Cockroaches Nymphs

Cockroach nymphs are small, measuring around the size of a grain of rice. Their size varies by species, with German cockroach nymphs as small as 1/8 inch and American and Oriental nymphs starting at 1/4 inch.

Newly hatched nymphs are white or light gray but darken soon after. They have flat, hard bodies and undergo several growth stages, called instars, before reaching adulthood. During these stages, their features, such as six spiny legs and two long antennae, become more pronounced. The number of instars varies by species; for example, American cockroaches go through 10 to 13 instar stages.¹ 

While most baby cockroaches are wingless, some species display underdeveloped wings during their later stages. Only fully matured cockroaches develop functional wings.

American Cockroach Nymphs

Baby American cockroaches have large, oblong bodies and are reddish-brown in color, with distinctive halo-shaped markings on the back of their heads. They are wingless at this stage.

Newly hatched American cockroach nymphs are as small as 1/4 inch in length, roughly the size of a grain of rice. They grow larger with each molt, eventually reaching up to 2 inches as adults.

Their reddish-brown coloring and halo-shaped marking behind their heads make them easily identifiable.

Baby German Cockroaches

Baby German cockroaches have small, oval-shaped bodies and are tan or light brown, with two distinctive dark parallel lines on their pronotum, the plate-like structure behind their heads. They are wingless at this stage.

Newly hatched German cockroach nymphs are as small as 1/8 inch in length. Even as adults, they remain relatively small, reaching only 1/2 – 5/8 inches.

German cockroaches go through 6–7 instar stages, during which they molt and gradually change color from pale or whitish-gray to tan or light-brown.

Baby Oriental Cockroaches

Baby Oriental cockroaches have large, oblong-shaped bodies, reddish-brown coloring, and a distinctive pattern of horizontal light and dark bands across their backs.

Newly hatched Oriental cockroach nymphs are around 1/4 inch long and grow to 1–1.5 inches as adults, making them smaller than American cockroaches but significantly larger than German cockroaches.

Similar to other species, Oriental cockroach nymphs start out white but quickly develop a pale brown hue that darkens as they molt and mature.

FAQs

Baby Cockroaches vs. Bed Bugs

Due to their size and shape, baby cockroaches are often mistaken for bed bugs. However, there are key differences:

• Shape: Bed bugs have flat, oval bodies resembling seeds, while baby cockroaches are cylindrical and pellet-shaped.
• Antennae: Cockroaches have long antennae nearly as long as their bodies, while bed bugs’ antennae are short.
• Eyes: Bed bugs’ eyes are prominent, while baby cockroaches’ eyes are less noticeable.
• Location: Bed bugs are found near mattresses, while baby cockroaches are typically in damp areas close to food and water sources.

If you’re not sure if you have bed bugs or baby cockroaches, MMPC provides free pest identification services. Just send us a photo or video and our experts will help identify it for you.

Are Baby Roaches Fast?

Baby roaches can move nearly as fast as full-grown adult roaches, which can reach speeds of 1.5 meters per second.² That’s approximately the same speed as a person walking!

How Do You Get Rid of Baby Cockroaches?

Finding baby cockroaches often indicates a larger infestation. To prevent them from thriving:

• Clean up grease and food crumbs
• Store food in sealed containers
• Fix leaks and plumbing issues
• Remove clutter
• Empty garbage cans regularly

For persistent infestations, consider using insect growth regulators (IGRs)³ to prevent nymphs from maturing. Products like boric acid and diatomaceous earth can also help control the infestation. For severe cases, contact a pest control professional.

About MMPC

MMPC is a leading pest control company in New York City, known for delivering reliable, eco-safe solutions and a top-rated customer service experience.

With over 30 years of expertise, we specialize in effectively eliminating cockroach infestations in homes and businesses using cutting-edge technologies and eco-friendly methods. Our approach is rooted in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, ensuring long-lasting protection while minimizing environmental impact.

About the Author

Timothy Wong is the technical director of MMPC, an eco-friendly pest control company in Long Island City. He has over 20 years of pest control experience, holds professional licenses in NY, NJ, PA, and MA, and has published papers on bed bugs and pest control methods.

References

1. Stetson, B. (2001). Periplaneta americana (American cockroach). Animal Diversity Web. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Periplaneta_americana/ ↩︎
2. Full, R. J., & Tu, M. S. (1991). Mechanics of a rapid running insect: two-, four- and six-legged locomotion. The Journal of experimental biology, 156, 215–231. https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.156.1.215 ↩︎
3. Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs). (2024). Orst.edu. https://npic.orst.edu/ingred/ptype/igr.html ↩︎