At what stage are insects generally the hardest to exterminate?

The eggs of insects are generally the hardest stage to exterminate because they are often coated in protective shells that make them resistant to many common pest control methods. These eggs can withstand various environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures and certain chemicals, allowing them to survive until conditions are favorable for hatching.

Moreover, many pest control products are designed to target the active life stages of pests, such as adults or larvae, which can lead to the misconception that treating these stages will suffice in eradicating an infestation. However, if the eggs are not effectively targeted and eliminated, they can hatch later and contribute to a resurgence of the pest population. This resilience of the egg stage emphasizes the importance of integrated pest management strategies that include measures to disrupt not just the adult and larval stages but also to effectively address the egg stage for complete control of the pest problem.