Get a larvae trap or build one, it's way easier. Look up April Kirkendoll for a good DIY larvae trap. The eggs will hatch on a certain day depending on species and temperature. You can tell by looking at them too, just start paying attention to what day they are laid and what day they disappear. It will most likely be very consistent.
I did the egg picking technique until someone turned the light on for me and pointed me towards a larvae trap!
