Getting Rid of Flying Cockroaches: Do All Cockroaches Fly? – By Clean and Green Pest Control
Cockroaches are one of the most popular pests found around homes and workplaces. Besides carrying bacteria, their body parts, feces, and saliva contain proteins called allergens that cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma symptoms. Because they bring many health risks, the World Health Organization (WHO) Trusted Source labelled these critters as “unhygienic scavengers in human settlements.”
No one wants cockroaches crawling around, and the only thing that could make them worse is if they could also fly.
Can All Cockroaches Fly?
All adult cockroaches have wings. Fortunately, not all of them are good flyers and most don’t fly at all. Those species able to fly will usually do so only because of extreme heat or cold. This is because these insects are cold-blooded, and their body temperatures are not internally regulated. In other words, their body temperatures depend on their environment.
Cockroaches generally prefer a temperature range between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius because extreme heat makes them use up more energy. They glide or fly using their wings from high to lower surfaces in short distances once temperatures exceed 29 degrees to look for cooler spaces.
Which Cockroaches Are Able to Fly?
Cockroaches considered as strong flyers are smoky brown cockroaches and wood cockroaches. Others like Asian, Australian, and Cuban cockroaches can also fly, but they could not be considered flying cockroaches due to the limitations in their capabilities.
Why Is It Uncommon to See Flying Cockroaches?
It’s rare to see many flying cockroaches because they are large creatures relative to their wing span. Their size, body mass, and flight wings are not ideal for easy maneuverability and high speed.
Some cockroaches that can glide prefer to use their legs for running. In fact, they can cover several feet in just a few seconds, making them known as some of the fastest running insects. For instance, the American cockroach can cover 50 body lengths per second. It is three times faster than the relative speed of a cheetah, the fastest land mammal.
Why Do Cockroaches Fly Toward Humans?
Flying cockroaches don’t actually fly right toward humans. As mentioned, most cockroach species aren’t good flyers, which means they just glide uncontrollably in a particular direction, especially when startled. Some are also attracted to light, which can cause them to glide toward people surrounded by light or brightness.
Are Flying Cockroaches Dangerous?
Flying cockroaches aren’t necessarily dangerous. After all, they generally don’t cause any direct harm when they’re gliding toward you. However, these insects can cause potential health risks and spread salmonella and E. Coli if they contaminate surfaces you touch or walk across.
How Do You Eliminate Flying Cockroaches?
Eliminating flying cockroaches isn’t different from getting rid of species of cockroaches that don’t fly. If you see them gliding around or notice signs of cockroach activity and infestation on your property, you can use baits or residual spray to eradicate them. For a more permanent solution, seek pest control services to ensure they won’t come back to your home or workplace.
Conclusion
Flying cockroaches can flutter inside your property through torn screens and open doors or windows. They can glide throughout and hide in hard-to-reach areas. If you have a cockroach infestation, hire an environmentally friendly pest control expert who can identify the species you’re dealing with and get rid of these unsanitary pests for you with a customised treatment plan.
If you’re seeking cockroach control in Sydney Metropolitan Area and Northern Beaches, contact Clean & Green Pest Managers. We treat and eradicate common pests using green pest control methods. Contact us for a quote or obligation-free advice!