Flying Cockroaches: Get Rid Flying Cockroaches

Types of Flying Roaches

The scientific name of a flying cockroach is the Periplaneta species, a roach subgroup. The difference between these and other roaches is that they can take flight, which makes them unique from their ground-dwelling relatives. Among roaches, three species have wings to fly: the American, Smoky brown, and the Asian cockroach.

Asian Cockroach

The Asian cockroach is often mistaken for the German varieties. They have a lot of similarities in their appearance, which makes things more confusing. Unlike other roaches, the Asian can fly great distances up to 120 feet in length.

Part of their wing speed likely comes from their smaller size and ability to take flight. The average Asian roach measures around 0.5 to 0.6 inches in length. They are a pale tan color, but their two distinct dark stripes running down their body make them easy to identify. These roaches aren’t common in New Jersey, as they favor warmer, southern states like the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, and Texas.

These roaches were first documented in Japan but migrated to the US through cargo. Asian cockroaches prefer to be outside rather than in your home. However, once they find a location to nest, some reports document more than 250,000 per acre of land.

They might come inside your home from a bright light at dust, as this is their most active time. 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 an Asian or German roach, 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 variety is one of the most common flying cockroach species, and they’re commonplace in New Jersey. They are easy to detect by their reddish-brown color and massive size. The full-grown roach can reach 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, which is about 18 times their body size. Despite its name, it’s not native to America but likely originated in Africa, but they’ve migrated to the area effortlessly. The distinction between this and other flying roaches is the yellow band around its head, their massive size, and that distinctive yellow color.

While these roaches 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 and use it at a later date. She can lay 21 egg sacks during her lifetime, which will each hold around 16 eggs.

Since her lifespan is around 18 months, it’s easy to see how things can quickly get out of hand. The American roach is one of the dirtiest, 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. Of all the flying roaches, this one has impressive skills. They prefer humid environments as they thrive in higher temperatures.

This roach is another variety with origins in Japan, but they’ve migrated abundantly to the southern states. These roaches also prefer warmer climates. There’s 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, as most people don’t think about a roach flying. Some of the most confused insects are other common household invaders.

Palmetto Bug

The “palmetto bug” is a slang term often used in error. There’s technically no such bug as it’s just an American cockroach. While they get a lot of attention in the Carolinas, they’re prevalent in the southern states. There’s often much confusion about these roaches, but they prefer to be outside rather than inside. It’s often light that draws them into the home.

Water Bug

Anytime you live near a water supply such as a lake, river, ocean, or other tributaries, 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 the roach. Technically, the water bug is in a whole different insect grouping. While they look alike, they certainly are vastly different.

Habitats

It’s commonplace for flying roaches 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 roaches 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 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 flying roaches 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.

Comparisons to Traditional Roaches

Flying roaches 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 flying and non-flying roaches are similar is that they carry diseases on their bodies. 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.

Getting Rid of Flying Cockroaches

As pest control professionals in New Jersey, we understand 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.

• Cleanliness: Keeping your surroundings clean and free of food crumbs, grease, and excess moisture is essential. Ensure you regularly clean kitchen areas and never leave dishes with food in the sink for days. Also, it would help to dispose of garbage properly in containers with lids. If you have any plumbing leaks, you must prioritize them, as they can attract cockroaches and other bugs.

• Sealing Entry Points: Prevent cockroaches from entering your property by sealing cracks, crevices, and gaps in walls, windows, and doors. While flying roaches 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 cockroaches, mice, and unwelcomed 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 roaches. However, these remedies should be used cautiously, especially if you have pets or small children. If you use DE, ensure you get the food grade formulated to remove anything dangerous should it be ingested.

If your infestation is severe or persists despite all your efforts, you need professional pest control services. Our trained technicians can quickly identify the type of cockroach infesting your property and apply targeted treatments for quick eradication.

Turning to The Experts for Help

Having flying cockroaches in your home is unsettling. Thankfully, with the proper knowledge and line of attack, you can take control of the situation and keep these pests at bay. As pest control professionals in New Jersey, we aim to provide you with the information you need to eliminate flying roach infestations effectively.

By implementing preventive measures, practicing good sanitation habits, and seeking professional assistance, you can ensure a pest-free living or working space for you and your loved ones.

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