Identifying insect eggs may seem trivial, but it is actually a very important skill. As a matter of fact, insect eggs are the starting point for the invasion of many types of undesirable insects in a home or building.
Knowing how to spot and identify insect eggs allows us to better protect ourselves and prevent their spread. But how can you recognize these sometimes very small eggs? How can you get rid of them once they have been spotted? Read more to find out.
Types of insect eggs in Quebec
If you notice insect eggs in your home or on your business premises, it may be a sign that you will be facing a pest invasion in the coming weeks or months. Our Montreal exterminators explain the 5 types of insect eggs most commonly found in homes and businesses in Quebec.
1. Fly eggs
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Whether they are black flies or fruit flies, flies can cause major inconveniences in any part of your home. Flies lay 120 to 1000 eggs, depending on the species. Although the average life span of a fly is only 30 days, this is plenty of time for it to reproduce and leave many eggs behind.
How to identify fly eggs
Fly eggs look like small white grains of rice and are often laid in groups. They can be hard to spot due to their small size, but they are frequently found on rotting food or organic material, either food scraps or household waste.
If you notice an unusual concentration of white eggs on these types of surfaces, they may be fly eggs. If you have not been able to prevent the infestation and have been invaded, hire an expert to do a drain fly extermination for you.
2. Cockroach eggs
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There are several types of cockroaches in Quebec, including the German cockroach, the American cockroach and the Oriental cockroach. These are the three most common species in temperate regions. Several other species of cockroaches may also be found within Quebec, but these are generally less common.
How to identify cockroach eggs
It is quite difficult to recognize cockroach eggs with the naked eye, as they are generally small and light coloured. Here are some clues to help you identify them:
- Cockroach eggs are usually clustered in small egg sacs or oothecae that are stuck to flat, dark surfaces
- The individual egg capsules are usually oval-shaped and white or pale yellow in color
- They are usually the size of a grain of rice and can be difficult to see without a good light source
If you notice an egg mass, or oothecae, in your home, you may soon experience a cockroach infestation. It is recommended that you call a professional to get rid of cockroaches that are multiplying in your home.
3. Spider eggs
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Even though spiders are not technically insects, a comparable infestation is still quite common. Spiders lay eggs differently depending on the species, so it can be quite difficult to identify their eggs.
Even though the insects that spiders hunt are often much more dangerous than they are, no one wants to discover spider eggs in their home! If you do find a few, use the following hints to make sure you are identifying them correctly.
How to identify spider eggs
Most spiders lay their eggs in a silk pouch. Spider egg sacs are small, usually the size of a coin.
Examine the colour to determine if it is a spider egg sac. Most spiders produce egg sacs that are white, but some may be yellow.
Since the number of eggs laid varies from 2 to 1000 depending on the type of spider, it is recommended to get rid of the eggs quickly, before you find yourself with an uncontrollable infestation.
4. Bed bug eggs
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Bed bugs usually lay between 10 and 50 eggs at a time, at night. If you find eggs in your home or bedroom, it is important to call a bed bug exterminator quickly, because it is difficult to completely eliminate them on your own.
How to identify bed bug eggs
Bed bug eggs are white or yellowish in colour and about 1 mm long. They are usually arranged in rows or groups and can be found in the seams of mattresses and in the folds of curtains and pillows.
These eggs can be difficult to see with the naked eye, so it is recommended to use a flashlight and look carefully in specific areas where bed bugs tend to hide.
5. Termite eggs
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Although termites are rare in Quebec, they are still a concern for homeowners because of the damage they can cause to a building’s structure. They lay eggs that are visible to the naked eye but are often hidden from view, either in the ground (subterranean termites) or in the tunnels they create within drywood structures (drywood termites).
Termites are secretive and will destroy wood. If you suspect that your property is threatened by a termite infestation, it is important to call a termite control specialist.
How to identify termite eggs
Termite eggs are transparent or white in colour and shaped like a hen’s egg. The first litter of a termite queen consists of an average of 24 eggs. These are laid in covered areas such as walls or underground nests.
If you notice termite eggs in your home or on your property, take action to avoid an infestation that could cause significant damage to your property.
Having trouble identifying insect eggs? Contact Elite Pest Control
Identifying insect eggs is an important step to take in order to prevent an infestation and protect your home and property. To identify eggs accurately, you need to pay attention to the colour and shape of the eggs, as well as their location.
Use the information above to recognize the eggs of different types of insects and take the appropriate steps.
If you suspect you have any insect eggs in your home or on your property, contact us today. Our pest exterminators in Montreal can promise you an efficient, quick and long-lasting treatment.
