Do cockroaches fly?

The quick answer to this question is: yes. Most species of cockroaches do have wings and many of them can fly, but most of them do not, preferring to crawl around on the ground to scavenge for food. 
 
Cockroaches can’t fly but rather “fall with style”. Their wings only allow them to glide and flutter for short distances. It is much quicker for a cockroach to scurry around the place than it is for them to try and fly.

Species of flying cockroach

There are around 3,000 different cockroach species in the world, but there are only several cockroach species that fly. These includes:

• Oriental cockroach
• American cockroach
• Australian cockroach
• Smoky brown cockroach

Oriental cockroach

The oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis) are dark brown or black in colour and almost 20 -25mm long. The wings undeveloped in female and cover a length of the abdomen in the male.

American cockroach

American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is the most common species of cockroach found in homes. Between 25 and 40mm in length and is a shiny, reddish brown colour.

Australian cockroach

Australian cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae) is the common species of tropical cockroach. Adults are 23-35 mm in length and looks similar to an American cockroach but slightly smaller and has a yellow margin on the thorax.

Smoky brown cockroach

Smoky brown cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa) has a habit of entering houses and contaminating food with excrement, regurgitated salivary fluid and potentially harmful bacteria. Usually 3 – 35mm long and a shining dark brown colour.

How do cockroaches fly?

Cockroaches only use one of their two pair of wings. The front pair of wings are thick and act as a protective casing.
 
When the cockroaches are preparing to take flight, they lift their front wings to expose the back pair. While in flight, they keep the front wings lifted and move through the air using the back pair.

Why do cockroaches fly?

In general, most species of cockroaches preferring to crawl around on the ground to scavenge for food. However, cockroaches will mostly likely fly if they feel threatened.
 
Additionally, if they find themselves on top of a high place, cockroaches will use their wings as gliders to get down to a lower place more easily than falling.

How to get rid of flying cockroaches?

Whether the types of cockroaches you are finding on your property fly or not, they are a pest. We also agree that seeing cockroaches crawling on the floor is pretty disgusting, but then what if you see them flying towards you?

At the end of the day, the most effective way to get rid of flying cockroaches is with the help of a professional cockroach control services. Our experienced specialist will deliver professional service at your premise to ensure any potential cockroach problem is thoroughly dealt with.