Flying Cockroaches: What You Need to Know

Need to get rid of flying cockroaches? Read on to learn the answers to all of your important questions. Need help? Call our professionals today to get started.

Do All Cockroaches Fly?

Only about 10 species of cockroach, out of the 3,500 identified species, are considered household pests in North America. In the United States there are 5 species of common cockroach that you might find flying in and around your home. 

• American Cockroaches, sometimes confused with the palmetto bug, are one of the most common types of cockroach. The American cockroach is capable of flying, but rarely does so, preferring to glide instead. 
• Asian Cockroaches are found in the Southeast portion of the United States, primarily in Florida Panhandle and East Central Georgia. They are accomplished fliers and are attracted to homes at night, flying towards any noticeable light.
• Cuban Cockroaches can be found in the Southwestern U.S. Cuban cockroaches are pale green in both male and female adults. They are attracted to lights and may fly in your house but are not considered household pests.
• Pennsylvania Woods male and female cockroaches both have wings, but the female of the species never flies. Male Pennsylvania Woods cockroaches will fly occasionally, but prefer to crawl.
• Smokybrown Cockroaches can be found anywhere in the U.S. with high humidity and warm temperatures and closely resemble the American Cockroach. They have long wings that stretch well past their abdomen that they use to fly to food sources and light. They will fly into homes toward ceiling lights and other lamps and can also fly away quickly from humans. 

Why Do Cockroaches Fly?

Those cockroaches that are competent fliers may fly into your home because they are attracted to light. Cockroaches are more prone to flight in the summer months when it is hot. If it gets to be too hot outside, flying cockroaches may fly into your home for some relief from the heat. 

Can I Have A Flying Cockroach Infestation?

Since cockroaches fly at night because they are nocturnal, you might not notice them fly into your home. If enough invade your home, you may find them during the day. Signs of a cockroach infestation include finding the roaches themselves, finding their waste or caste shells and possibly detecting a musty odor. 

Are Flying Cockroaches Dangerous?

Cockroaches themselves do not present any danger to humans, pets or their property, but they can introduce many challenges. While roaches do not bite or sting, they can contaminate food sources and leave behind waste and saliva that may cause allergic reactions.

The fact that some species of roach can fly means that they can get to any part of your pantry and kitchen quickly to reach any open food source. The ability to fly also means that these species of roach can come into your home through open windows or doors as they fly toward whatever light source they are attracted to. 

How Can I Protect My Home From Flying Cockroaches?

If you have spotted a flying cockroach in your home it should be taken care of promptly before they can spread disease or contaminate food sources. If you have noticed more than one cockroach in flight inside your home, contact a pest control specialist directly so they can correctly identify what kind of flying cockroach you are dealing with and devise a comprehensive plan to eliminate your current issue and help prevent future issues from arising.

Call Pest Control Experts today to get a free quote and to schedule your home pest inspection as soon as possible