In Malaysia, the American (Periplaneta americana) and German (Blattella germanica) cockroaches are considered as important household and commercial pests. The female can lay about 10-60 eggs in each ootheca (egg case) depending on the species. The ootheca is usually placed or glued at hidden or dark places which are near the water and food source.

However, for the German cockroach, it will carry the ootheca for 24-48 hours before the eggs hatch and one week before hatching, the female will usually stop feeding. This behavior makes it even harder to be detected and controlled. Apart from that, condition with relatively higher humidity and temperature will shorten the developmental time.