What This Blog Will Cover
In today’s blog, we’ll take a look at what it typically means, where to look, and what to do next (without wasting time or making the problem worse).
What It Means When You See Baby Roaches but No Adults
The “Nest” Is Likely Nearby (Nymphs Don’t Travel Far)
Cockroaches prefer to hide in dark, warm, narrow spaces—and importantly, the immature roaches tend to stay in even smaller cracks than adults. The UC Statewide IPM Program notes that adult German roaches can hide in a crack as small as 1/16 inch wide, and German cockroach nymphs stay in even smaller protected spaces.
So if you’re seeing nymphs on counters, in drawers, or near sinks, the main harborage is often very close—commonly:
- Inside/behind cabinets
- Under the sink around plumbing penetrations
- Behind the refrigerator or stove
- Behind dishwashers
- In wall voids near water lines
If you want a quick visual guide to what you may be seeing, start here: baby cockroach identification.
Adults Are Present—You’re Just Not Seeing Them
Most cockroaches are primarily nocturnal (active at night and hiding during the day). In fact, they often run away from bright lights.
That’s why many people only notice:
- Roaches “darting” when a light turns on
- Activity after the house is quiet
- Roaches near food sources late at night
It May Be a Fast-Breeding Indoor Species (Often German Roaches)
In Southern California, many indoor infestations involve German cockroaches, which reproduce quickly and prefer warm, humid areas near food and water. Correctly identifying the species matters because it affects which control methods work best.
For more on local cockroach types, see: California’s most common cockroach species.
DIY Treatments May Be “Flushing” Nymphs Into View
It’s common to see more activity after:
- Moving appliances
- Deep cleaning and decluttering
- Using some sprays or foggers
- Treating one area but not the hidden harborage
That doesn’t automatically mean the problem is improving. It often means roaches are scattering from disrupted hiding areas.
If you’re trying to handle it yourself, review this first: DIY roach control for Los Angeles County residents.
Roaches Aren’t Just Unpleasant. They Can Also Affect Indoor Health
- The American Lung Association explains cockroaches can make asthma worse and cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive, with allergens in their body parts, saliva, and fecal matter.
- The U.S. EPA also notes certain proteins in cockroach feces and saliva can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals.
Treat this as more urgent if:
- Someone in the home has asthma or allergies
- You see roaches in bedrooms, not just kitchens
- You’re seeing nymphs during the day (often a sign of heavier activity)
- You’re finding droppings, egg cases, or a musty odor
Where to Look: the Most Common Hidden Roach Hotspots
Use this list to narrow down likely harborage. You don’t have to tear your home apart, just inspect smart.
Kitchen
- Behind/under the refrigerator (including the drip pan area)
- Under the stove and around the warming drawer
- Around the dishwasher edges and under the unit
- Under the sink: plumbing penetrations and cabinet corners
- Inside cabinet hinges and drawer slides
Bathroom and laundry
- Under vanity sinks and around drain penetrations
- Behind toilets (especially where supply lines enter the wall)
- Laundry room corners near the water heater/washer hookups
Garage and utility areas
Many homes have attached garages and storage areas where clutter builds up. Watch for:
- Cardboard boxes and stored paper goods
- Utility closets and water heater areas
- Any space with moisture and limited airflow
What To Do Next (Practical Steps That Actually Help)
Step 1: Identify the Problem
If you spot a roach, take note of:
- Size (nymphs are tiny; adults are larger and may have wings)
- Color/pattern
- Where it was found (kitchen, bathroom, garage, etc.)
These details help your pest professional determine whether you’re dealing with a true indoor breeder, like German cockroaches, or a roach that wandered in from outside
Step 2: Limit the Basics That Attract Roaches
While professional treatment is the most effective way to eliminate roaches, reducing easy access to food, water, and shelter supports lasting results:
- Food: Keep counters clean, store pantry items in sealed containers, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
- Water: Fix leaks, wipe sinks dry at night, and keep sponges or rags dry.
- Shelter: Reduce clutter, especially cardboard, and vacuum crumbs in cabinet corners and under appliances.
Step 3: Skip Foggers and Heavy Sprays
Over-the-counter “bug bombs” and broad sprays rarely reach the tight cracks where roaches hide. They may even push pests deeper into walls or neighboring units. Professional methods are targeted and much safer for your home.
Step 4: Rely on Professional Pest Control
The most reliable way to stop roaches is with a professional strategy: baits, crack-and-crevice treatments, and correcting the conditions that allow them to thrive. Because German cockroaches hide in extremely small spaces, reaching the areas they actually use is key—and that’s what trained technicians do best.
Step 5: Call Admiral Pest Control for an inspection
If you’re seeing cockroaches, especially nymphs in your kitchen or bathroom, it’s time for professional intervention. Admiral Pest Control offers home pest control services that go beyond just spraying surfaces; our licensed pest control pros:
- Inspect your home thoroughly to locate where roaches are hiding
- Apply targeted treatments to exterminate the entire cockroach population
- Identify and correct conditions that allow roaches to thrive, like water leaks or easy shelter spots
And because our plans include quarterly pest treatments, you don’t have to worry about cockroaches or other household pests taking over again!
Admiral proudly serves communities in Orange and Los Angeles counties, including:
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Cockroaches
How can I tell if I’m seeing nymphs or adult cockroaches?
Baby cockroaches, called nymphs, are the immature stage of a cockroach. They are smaller than adults, often lighter in color, and may not have wings yet. Nymphs molt several times before becoming adults.
Can roaches be coming from a neighbor?
Yes—especially in condos, apartments, and connected buildings in Orange County and Los Angeles County. If plumbing lines or wall voids are shared, roaches can move between units.
What if I see baby roaches in the bathroom but not the kitchen?
Bathrooms can support roaches because of humidity and steady water access. The likely harborage is often under the vanity, behind the toilet, or in wall voids near plumbing penetrations.
Stop Roaches. Protect Your Home. Call Admiral.
Admiral Pest Control has been family-owned and serving locals since 1947—the oldest family-run pest company in the area. We offer same-day service, flexible scheduling, and proven treatments that get rid of roaches, ants, spiders, and more—fast.
Don’t wait—schedule your inspection today and see why generations of homeowners trust Admiral.
