From the occasional big cockroach darting through your kitchen to smaller species hiding in corners, roaches are, unfortunately, a common sight in urban environments. With long, fast legs and a hard exoskeleton, roaches are among the hardiest pests you’ll likely encounter. Many of the most common species also have wings, so this raises the question:
Do cockroaches fly? We’re going to unravel the mystery behind cockroaches and their aerobatic abilities with the help of our pest control experts so you’ll be better prepared to spot them before a cockroach infestation invades your home.
Why Flying Cockroaches Are a Rare Sight
Cockroaches have scurried across the earth for millions of years, evolving into some of the most resilient creatures on the planet. Their long-gone ancient ancestors may have relied on flight more than modern cockroaches, but survival today demands a different skill set.
As roaches have evolved, a flatter, more robust body shape and running have proved more effective for survival than flying. A cockroach that can dart away quickly and squeeze into tight spaces is far more likely to avoid predators or environmental hazards than one that takes to the air with limited precision. This is why flying cockroach sightings are rare, with most relying on their legs rather than their wings.
Which Types of Cockroaches Can Fly?
While most cockroaches have wings, not all use them effectively. The types of cockroaches that can fly aren’t necessarily determined by their size, speed, or shape. For instance, a small cockroach, like the German cockroach, is as capable of flight as a larger one, though none are particularly skilled at it.
Of the many species that can take flight, here are some of the most common varieties known for their limited flying abilities:
- American cockroaches. One of the largest cockroaches with a distinctive reddish-brown body, these pests can be spotted gliding awkwardly from tall tree branches or elevated surfaces.
- Smokey brown cockroaches. As their name implies, these cockroaches have a dark, shiny brown appearance and are slightly smaller than American cockroaches. They are more agile fliers than many other species, often taking short flights in search of food or shelter.
- German cockroaches. These are among the smallest cockroaches, barely larger than a penny. While they have wings, they fly only infrequently and usually rely on running.
- Asian cockroaches. These light brown cockroaches closely resemble German cockroaches but are slightly more active fliers.
Cockroach Prevention With Burns Pest Elimination
Cockroaches may not be skilled fliers, but they are expert home infiltrators. With their natural toughness and ability to enter your home through the smallest gaps, even the drain pipes, a cockroach infestation is a serious problem. But you don’t have to face them alone!
With the expert support of a Burns Pest Elimination specialist, you can target the roaches at their entry points and wherever they feed and reproduce to take back control over your home. Contact us today to request a free cockroach control quote.
