What life cycle stage of a cockroach is most vulnerable to extermination?

The nymph stage of a cockroach is the most vulnerable to extermination due to several factors. Nymphs are small and less capable of escaping threats compared to adult cockroaches, making them more susceptible to insecticides. Additionally, they are still developing and lack the protective adaptations that adult cockroaches possess, such as the ability to fit into tight spaces or escape detection. The nymphs frequently molt, which can make them susceptible to chemicals that target growing insects during these phases.

In the egg stage, cockroach eggs are often protected within a capsule (ootheca), making them less accessible to extermination methods. The adult stage, while also vulnerable, has a greater ability to evade control measures. Larval stages are not typically referenced concerning cockroaches since they go through nymphal stages rather than a larval phase like some other insects. Thus, it is the nymph stage that presents the highest opportunity for effective extermination efforts.