Have you ever seen a cockroach suddenly take flight and come right at you? It is more common than you might think. It’s one thing to deal with a creepy crawly on the floor, but when it takes to the air, it hits differently. So, can cockroaches fly, or are those just rare nightmares?

Let’s set the record straight. Some cockroaches can fly. Some don’t. And some do just enough flying to make your skin crawl. This article is here to break down everything you need to know about flying cockroaches, including which ones fly, why they do it, where they hide, and how to stop them.

Can Cockroaches Fly?

Yes, but not all cockroaches can fly. Although the majority of cockroaches possess wings, not all of them actually use them for flight. Actually, a lot of species hardly ever, if ever, fly.

When they do, it’s typically not a full-on fly-by but rather a brief glide or an awkward flutter. Since crawling is quicker and safer, roaches choose to continue with it. They usually only take flight as a last choice, such as when they are fleeing from danger, pursuing the scent of food, or it’s extremely hot and muggy.

What Do Flying Cockroaches Look Like?

Flying cockroaches pretty much look like regular roaches until you see the wings. Most of them have long, flat wings that cover their backs completely. You might spot them in shades of brown, reddish-brown, or even green, depending on the species.

The flying cockroach size can range from just under an inch to nearly two inches long (or more). This kind of size makes it even more terrifying when they take off.

People often refer to these huge cockroaches that fly as “nightmares with wings.” Fair enough.

What Causes Cockroaches to Fly?

Although it may seem like it at times, roaches don’t fly to frighten you. This is the reason you spot flying cockroach in your house:

• To Get Away: Some cockroaches glide or fly to escape more quickly when they feel threatened.
• To Locate Food or Partners: Flight enables them to search broader areas for survival in the wild or warmer temperatures.
• In Hot and Muggy Weather: In warm, humid weather, some cockroaches fly more actively. Because of this, you frequently see them flying in the summer.

A cockroach is most likely upset or actively looking for something if it is flying around your house.

Which Species of Cockroach Can Fly?

Let’s break down the main types of flying cockroaches you might encounter, and yes, some of them are found right here in California.

• American Cockroach

  These are the big ones, growing up to 2 inches long. They are reddish-brown with yellow markings and are capable of gliding rather than flying long distances. Still, seeing a large flying cockroach in your house is enough to ruin your night.

• Smoky Brown Cockroach

  Dark, shiny brown, and roughly 1.5 inches in size, smoky browns are strong fliers and are drawn to lights at night. You often find them in attics, trees, and garages.

• Cuban Cockroach

  These light green cockroaches are common in tropical areas and are excellent fliers. They prefer outdoor environments but may fly inside if windows or doors are left open.

• Australian Cockroach

  They are not actually from Australia, but they are similar to the American cockroach. They are slightly smaller and have yellow edges on their wings. They fly short distances, especially when disturbed.

• Brown-banded Cockroach

  Only males fly, and even then, only occasionally. They are small, about half an inch, and they love hiding in warm, dry spots like behind wall decor, electronics, or ceilings.

• Pennsylvania Woods Cockroach

  Native to wooded areas, male woods roaches fly well, especially around dusk. Females are wingless and ground-bound. They are mostly outdoor pests but can wander inside.

• Oriental Cockroach

  These are those shiny, dark-colored roaches people sometimes call “water bugs.” They have wings but can’t actually fly. Too heavy, too clumsy!

• German Cockroach

  A common indoor pest, the German cockroach has wings but prefers to run fast. Flight isn’t really part of their game plan.

Where Do Flying Cockroaches Hide?

Cockroaches are experts at vanishing, whether they are flying or not. However, you have a better chance of locating (and stopping) them if you know where they hide. These are a few of their preferred hiding places:

• Behind stoves and refrigerators
• Inside cabinets in the kitchen or bathroom
• In and around plumbing leaks
• Attics, crawl spaces, and basements
• Storage boxes or garage corners
• Under sinks or close to drains
• Inside cardboard boxes or paper piles
• Outside, among trees, mulch or leaf piles

There are probably other cockroaches hiding nearby if you notice one cockroach flying over your home.

How to Prevent Flying Cockroaches

You don’t want these pests setting up shop in your home. Moreover, prevention is always easier than extermination. Here’s how to keep them out:

• Seal cracks and entry points around doors, windows, pipes, and vents
• Fix water leaks in bathrooms and under sinks. Roaches love moisture
• Store food in sealed containers and clean up crumbs right away
• Take out the trash frequently and keep bins tightly closed
• Declutter storage areas and avoid leaving cardboard on the floor
• Use window and door screens to block out flying pests
• Turn off outdoor lights at night (or use yellow bug bulbs) to avoid attracting them

How to Get Rid of Flying Cockroaches

Flying roaches already inside? It’s time to move quickly. What you can do is as follows:

• Place roach baits beneath sinks, in pantries, and close to other hotspots.
• Employ a pest control expert for large or persistent infestations.
• Vacuum and mop floors to get rid of eggs and debris.
• Use insecticidal sprays, especially those made for flying insects.
• Clean out drains, garbage disposals, and food crumbs on a regular basis.
• Maintain cleanliness and seal entry points to get rid of cockroaches in kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flying Cockroaches

1. Do baby cockroaches fly?

Nope. Baby cockroaches (nymphs) don’t have wings, so they can’t fly at all.

2. Do flying cockroaches bite?

They usually don’t. While they have mouthparts, cockroach bites are extremely rare and generally only happen in extreme infestations.

3. Do all roaches fly?

No, not all cockroaches can fly, even if they have wings. Some species just don’t use them.

4. Do German cockroaches fly?

They have wings but prefer to run. So no, not really.

5. What are the origins of flying cockroaches?

Most species evolved in warm, tropical environments where flight helped them find food and shelter.

6. How do you identify flying cockroaches?

Look for fully developed wings covering their back, often combined with a quick, jittery movement when disturbed.

7. Where do flying cockroaches live?

They like warm, dark, moist spots such as kitchens, attics, bathrooms, trees, and basements.

8. Why do roaches fly toward you?

They are not aiming for you. They are just bad fliers, and when startled, they move toward light or warmth, which could be you.

9. Are flying cockroaches dangerous?

They can carry bacteria and allergens, which makes them a health concern, especially for people with asthma or allergies.

10. Do all cockroaches have wings?

Most adult roaches do, but not all use them. Nymphs don’t have wings at all.

11. How do flying cockroaches get in the house?

They come in through cracks, open windows, vents, or even drains and pipes.

12. Are there flying roaches in California?

Yes, including American, smoky brown, and Oriental cockroaches, which are known to fly or glide short distances.

Cockroaches are unsettling enough. But when they start flying, that’s when most people reach for the phone. The good news is you don’t have to deal with them alone.

If you’ve noticed flying cockroaches in your home or suspect there is a hidden infestation, don’t wait. Reach out to Take Care Termite & Pest Control today, and we’ll handle it!