What is a flying cockroach?

Flying cockroaches are insects with an outer shell that lasts from about 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) to almost 4 inches (10 cm) long and are capable of flying. Although many species have adapted to life on land as scavengers, cockroaches have a long history and may have been one of the first animals to fly. With the rise of international travel and trade, several species have found homes in many countries around the world. Many people do not like to live around cockroaches in general, as they can spread disease, ruin food and books and leave a strong odor, but flying cockroaches usually do not directly bother humans.

Common species of flying cockroaches

American

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 1.6 cm in length, making it one of the species. most common. Although they are able to fly, they spend more time running on the ground or ground and generally hide from light. This species is often confused with the Saw Palmetto insect or the Florida cockroach, which flies poorly.

Asian

Unlike the American cockroach, Blattella asahinai, or 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 insect that is the most common species of cockroach in American homes.

Australia

Another great thief is the Australian cockroach, Periplaneta australasiae. It resembles the American cockroach almost exactly and is also found in the warm, humid regions of America. It is distinguished from its almost identical cousin by the light stripes of its wings. It is also slightly smaller than the American version and usually does not exceed 1.45 cm (3.7 inches).

Cuban

The bright green Cuban cockroach, or Panchlora nivea, is found mainly in Central America, but can also be seen in the southwestern United States. This species sometimes enters the interior of buildings, but generally does not infest structures. It is thinner than many other species and usually grows to a length of 0.75 inches (1.9 cm). Like Asian species, they are attracted to light.

Pennsylvania Forest

Parcoblatta pennsylvanica, or Pennsylvania cockroach, is active during the day and does not usually infest homes. Although both sexes of this species have light brown wings, they only want males. Males are also slightly larger than females, reaching about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, while females are about 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) long.

Megaloblatta

The largest flying cockroach, Megaloblatta blaberoides, inhabits mainly South and Central America. It can be up to 7.2 inches (18 cm) wide 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 these species is considered a pest.

Pest control

Although cockroaches are often considered pests, less than 1% of them infest homes and annoy people. These types usually have underdeveloped wings and can only fly for short periods of time, if they do. Most flying cockroaches are wild species and do not normally actively disturb humans.

Those who are bothered by flying cockroaches can take a few approaches to getting rid of them. Installing screens, removing debris around a house and garden, and keeping doors and windows closed can help make an area unattractive to cockroaches and keep them out of the house. In addition, because many species of flying cockroaches are attracted to light, it can also be helpful to leave porch lights off or close windows in lighted rooms.

In the rare case of a flying cockroach infestation, professional extermination is the most reliable method of eliminating insects. Commercial cockroach aerosols typically kill insects, but can also contain harmful chemicals. However, there are less toxic home control methods available. For example, boric acid crystals will kill cockroaches by dehydrating them. These crystals can usually be found at a local hardware store or pharmacy.