A flying cockroach.
Flying cockroaches are insects with a hard outer shell that ranges from about 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) to almost 4 inches (10 cm) in length and are capable of flight. Although many species have adapted to live on the ground as scavengers, cockroaches have a long history and may have been one of the first animals to fly. With the increase in international travel and trade, various species have found homes in many different countries around the world. Many people don’t like living around cockroaches in general because they can spread disease, spoil food and books, and leave behind a strong odor, but flying cockroaches usually don’t bother humans directly.
Common Species of Flying Cockroaches
American
An American cockroach.
The reddish-brown American cockroach, or Periplaneta americana, is native to Africa but has lived in the United States since the early 1600s. It can grow up to 4 cm long, making it one of the longest species. Although they are capable of flight, they spend more time running along the ground or on the ground and often hide from light. This species is often confused with the palm bug or the Florida woods cockroach, which do not fly well.
asians
Professional exterminators may need to be called in to deal with a cockroach infestation.
Unlike the American cockroach, Blattella asahinai, or the Asian cockroach, is attracted to light but rarely enters buildings or houses. It flies well and is generally considered a beneficial insect as it feeds on a variety of crop-destroying insect species. The Asian cockroach closely resembles the German cockroach, Blattella germanica, the large brown bug that is the most common species of cockroach in American homes.
Australian
The Australian cockroach, Periplaneta australasiae, is another large flier. It looks almost exactly like the American cockroach and is also found in warm, humid parts of the Americas. It can be distinguished from its nearly identical cousin by the light streaks on its wings. It is also slightly smaller than the US version, usually no larger than 1.45 inches (3.7 cm).
Cuban
The bright green Cuban cockroach, or Panchlora nivea, is found primarily in Central America, but can also be seen in the southwestern United States. This species sometimes enters buildings, but does not normally infest structures. It is slimmer than many other species, typically reaching a length of 0.75 inches (1.9 cm). Like the Asian species, they are attracted to light.
pennsylvania woods
Parcoblatta pennsylvanica, or the Pennsylvania wood cockroach, is active during the day and does not generally infest homes. Although both sexes of this species have light brown wings, only the males fly. Males are also slightly larger than females, reaching a length of about 2.5 cm (1 in), while females reach a length of about 1.9 cm (0.75 in).
megaloblatta
The largest flying cockroach, Megaloblatta blaberoides, lives mainly in South and Central America. It can have a wingspan of up to 7.2 inches (18 cm) and can be up to 3.9 inches (10 cm) long. A similar species native to Colombia, Megaloblatta longipennis, has a similar wingspan. None of them are considered pest species.
pest control
Although cockroaches are often considered pests, less than 1% of them infest homes and bother people. These types often have underdeveloped wings and can only fly for short periods. Most flying cockroaches are wild species and do not normally actively pester humans.
Those who are bothered by flying cockroaches can take a few approaches to get rid of them. Putting up screens, removing debris around the house and yard, and keeping doors and windows closed can help make an area unattractive to cockroaches and keep them out of the house. Also, since several species of flying cockroaches are attracted to light, it can also help to leave porch lights off or close bedroom windows with the lights on.
In the rare case of a flying cockroach infestation, professional extermination is the most reliable method of eliminating the bugs. Commercial cockroach sprays usually kill bugs, but they can also contain harmful chemicals. However, there are less toxic home methods for eliminating cockroaches. For example, boric acid crystals will kill cockroaches by causing them to dehydrate. These crystals are usually found at a local hardware store or pharmacy.