Get Rid of Flying Cockroaches

Types of Flying Roaches

The scientific name of flying cockroaches is the Periplaneta species, a cockroach subgroup. They are classified separately because not all roaches can fly. Even though there are many roaches with some version of wings, three species have wings that can fly: the American, Smoky brown, and Asian cockroaches.

Asian Cockroach

The Asian cockroach is often mistaken for a German variety. Unlike other roaches, Asian roaches are cockroaches that fly great distances—up to 120 feet.

Part of their wing speed likely comes from their smaller size. The average Asian roach measures around ½ inch in length. They are a pale tan color, but their two distinct dark stripes running down their body make them easy to identify. These flying cockroaches aren’t common in New Jersey, as they favor warmer southern states like the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, and Texas.

They were first documented in Japan but migrated to the US through cargo traveling between the two countries. Asian cockroaches prefer to be outside and once they find a location to nest, some reports document more than 250,000 of the Asian flying cockroaches per acre of land!

They are most active at dusk so any bright lights you have outside will attract them. You’ll likely see these pests swirling around illuminated things outside your home with the moths and beetles. One positive thing about the Asian roach is they’re not known to carry bacteria and disease like other varieties.

If you’re having trouble determining if you have Asian or German roaches, you can typically tell by their behavior. The German cockroach isn’t attracted to light and will hurry away when humans are present. Asian roaches don’t usually care who is around if there’s light.

American Cockroach

The American cockroach is one of the most common species of flying cockroaches in New Jersey. They are easy to detect by their reddish-brown color and massive size. When full-grown, they can grow to an astounding 1.5 to 3 inches in length.

Once they reach adulthood, the American cockroach has fully developed wings that allow it to fly short distances—about 18 times their body size. Despite its name, it’s not native to America but likely originated in Africa even though they’ve migrated to the area effortlessly. The distinction between this and other flying cockroaches is the yellow band around its head, their massive size, and that unique yellow color.

While they can fly, they prefer to crawl around your home. These pests multiply quickly, as the female doesn’t need a male to reproduce. She can save sperm to use at a later date and lay 21 egg sacks that each hold around 16 eggs during her 18 month lifetime.

The American roach is one of the dirtiest flying cockroaches since they make a habit of crawling through fecal matter and other bacteria. These germs attach themselves to the body, and when they enter your home, they redistribute the germs. They will eat anything if they’re hungry, so they crawl all over your kitchen, looking for grease and other food debris.

Smokybrown Cockroach

The smokybrown roach is more prominent, but it’s just slightly smaller than the American variety. It is about 1 to 1.25 inches in length when it reaches maturity. These flying cockroaches prefer humid environments and thrive in higher temperatures.

The smokybrown roach is another variety with origins in Japan, but they’ve also migrated to the southern states. These flying cockroaches are typically found near the Gulf Coastal states and those that border the Mississippi River.

Confusion with Other Insects

Flying cockroaches are often mistaken for other bugs because most people don’t think about a roach having the ability to fly. Some of the insects most confused for flying cockroaches are common household invaders.

Palmetto Bug

The “palmetto bug” is a slang term used for the American cockroach and they were given this nickname because these flying cockroaches are often found hiding around palmetto bushes and trees in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Water Bug

Anytime you live near a water supply such as a lake, river, ocean, or other waterways, you’ll likely see abundant water bugs. These larger-than-life black bugs can fly, often confusing people into thinking they’re the same as flying cockroaches. Technically, water bugs are in a whole different insect grouping that does not include flying cockroaches.

Comparisons to Traditional Roaches

Flying cockroaches and traditional varieties have many similarities. First, they’re nocturnal and are active at night. Have you ever turned on the light in the darkness and seen bugs rush across the floor? These were likely roaches trying to get out of your way.

Another way that non-flying and flying cockroaches are similar is that they carry diseases. Walking through bacteria that stick to their legs, shedding their skin, and leaving fecal droppings can pose a significant health risk if they touch your food. Even walking across your counters can leave traces of bacteria that’s dangerous. Those who have breathing problems such as asthma are often most susceptible.

Whether in flight or crawling on the ground, all roaches reproduce quickly. Never think you have one stray in your home, as there are always more bugs hiding that you can’t see. One cockroach can soon lead to an infestation since many species can reproduce without a male.

Flying Cockroaches’ Habitats

It’s commonplace for flying cockroaches to live in warm environments with plenty of humidity. Since New Jersey summers are hot and humid, it’s a prime area for them to thrive in the summer months. They will inhabit places where they can find food and shelter, which includes locations in your home such as:

• Kitchens: Your kitchen has plenty of food and moisture from the sink. The kitchen also gives flying cockroaches ample hiding areas, such as your cabinets or behind appliances. Never keep bacon grease or leave dishes unattended in the sink for days. These things will invite unwanted pests into your home.
• Bathrooms: The Kitchens and bathrooms are the most common locations for roach infestations. The moisture and darkness are the perfect combination for flying cockroaches’ survival.
• Outdoor Gardens: Roaches love garden areas as there’s always plenty to eat and some decay to feast on. Add some lighted elements to the site, and you’ll attract them by the masses.
• Basements: Dark and damp basements provide an ideal environment for flying cockroaches to thrive. They can hide in cracks, crevices, and corners and typically only come out at night.

Tips for Tackling Flying Cockroaches

As top pest control professionals in New Jersey, our Kapture team understands the importance of a pest-free environment. If you have flying cockroaches in your home or business, here are a few ways to help eliminate them.

Keep It Clean: Ensuring your surroundings are clean and free of food crumbs, grease, and excess moisture is essential to keep out flying cockroaches. Regularly clean kitchen areas and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink for any extended period of time. Also, it would help to dispose of garbage properly in containers with lids.

Bonus Tip: Routinely check for plumbing leaks. Roaches love moisture so leaks can attract them and other bugs.

Sealing Entry Points: Prevent flying cockroaches from entering your property by sealing cracks, crevices, and gaps in walls, windows, and doors. While they often come in through holes in screens or an open door, you need to ensure there are no easy entry points. This will also help you to prevent other pests from entering.

Remove Hiding Spots: Decluttering your living and storage spaces will help reduce potential hiding spots for flying cockroaches, mice, and unwelcome guests. Seal gaps around pipes, drains, and electrical outlets to minimize their hiding places.

Natural Remedies: Some natural remedies, like boric acid powder or diatomaceous earth, effectively discourage and eliminate flying cockroaches. However, these remedies should be used cautiously, especially if you have pets or small children. If you use DE, be sure you get the food grade formula just in case your pup goes sniffing around.

If your infestation is severe or persists despite all your efforts, you need Kapture Pest Control’s professional services. Our trained technicians can quickly identify the types of flying cockroaches infesting your property and apply targeted treatments for quick results.

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