Cockroaches are a horror. The insects nest in human dwellings when there is a sufficiently high supply of food and within a short time they suddenly expand their colony. A cockroach infestation can not only have a negative effect on well-being within your own four walls, but also on your health, as they can transmit diseases. When it comes to cockroaches, a question also comes to mind for many people: Can cockroaches actually fly?
Can cockroaches fly?
Flying cockroaches are a nightmare par excellence. This not only makes it easier for the animals to reach the cupboards in the kitchen or other elevated places, but they can even fly towards people and animals. For this reason, the mere thought of a flying cockroach is extremely unpleasant, since nobody really wants the insects on their face. For this reason, the answer to the question is not really reassuring, since almost all species within the order of cockroaches (Blattodea) have wings. These are broken down as follows:
- a pair of elytra (leathery)
- a pair of hind wings
The elytra are usually much harder and fold up during flight. The hind wings spread during flight and define the flight ability of the respective cockroach species.
cockroaches species
However, it is not just the possession of wings that is responsible for the ability of insects to fly. There are many species of cockroaches that can fly very well and some that stagger or fly only for short distances. Even taxa with wings used only for jumping or ground support exist. The following list gives you a good overview of the respective species of cockroaches that are most common in Central Europe and whether they can fly:
- German cockroach (Blattella germanica): slightly
- Oriental or cockroach (Blatta orientalis): no
- American cockroach (Periplaneta americana): yes
- Australian cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae): yes
- Brown-banded or furniture cockroach (Supella longipalpa): only males
- Brown cockroach (Periplaneta brunnea): yes
- Common forest cockroach or Lapland cockroach (Ectobius lapponicus): yes
- Woodcock (Ectobius sylvestris): only males
- Tartar or Chocolate Cockroach (Shelfordella lateralis): Slightly to none
Oriental cockroach, Blatta orientalis
The German, Oriental and American cockroaches you will encounter most often in your own home. The Australian and furniture cockroaches are also typical ancestors, but they are not as common. The other cockroaches in the above list are mainly found in nature, but can occasionally get lost in human dwellings. However, they do not prefer to settle in your kitchen.
wing
Another important point regarding the flying of cockroaches is the fact that often only one of the sexes, mostly the females, are able to fly. There are species-specific differences here. Likewise, only adult specimens can use their wings. In addition to the flight, these are used for the following points:
- deceleration when falling
- cover short distances quickly
- high jumps
Jumping cockroaches are much more common than flying cockroaches. Especially the German and the Oriental, which are most often responsible for infestations in their homeland, can jump very well and often flap their wings, which to many people looks like an attempt to fly. Due to the relatively high weight of the cockroach, however, the fast movement over the six legs is usually resumed after a short time.
notice: Unique to cockroaches' flight abilities is their frequent reliance on high temperatures to even use their wings. if it is too cold for the respective species, they usually remain on the ground and then only use their wings as a support for faster locomotion.
Interesting facts about cockroaches: 10 facts
Not only the flight behavior and the different types of cockroaches that can fly are among the interesting facts about this insect group. However, there is much more to know about cockroaches that may even help you combat or assess the situation. Here are 10 interesting facts about cockroaches:
1. speed
Cockroaches are famous for their speed. They reach speeds of up to 1.5 meters per second, which corresponds to around 5.5 kilometers per hour. So you have to be faster to catch or finish the animals.
2. Headless
Cockroaches can survive up to ten days without a head. This miracle is possible because the animals' breathing is not controlled via the head, but separate body orifices. Since the animals can survive up to four weeks without food, even without a head, the animals do not die immediately.
3. Good swimmers
Cockroaches can get into your home through the sewer system. Since they can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes, swimming is a breeze for the cockroaches.
4. Bad for allergy sufferers
Animal waste and debris can aggravate numerous allergies and even asthma. For this reason, the animals must be fought, especially if allergy sufferers live in the household.
5. Disease carriers
Not only allergies can be aggravated by the cockroaches. Since they are omnivores par excellence, the animals can leave salmonella, mold, coliform bacteria or staphylococci on your food, which can quickly lead to health problems.
6. Cannibalism
Cannibalism is a common phenomenon in large populations of cockroaches. In such, the food becomes too scarce and so the conspecifics are often eaten.
7. Hide and seek artists
In the event of a cockroach infestation, don't be surprised at the numerous hiding places the insects have. They really fit in everywhere and they like to stay where it's warm. Even kitchen appliances or hair dryers are not safe from the animals.
8. Like it warm
Cockroaches usually only settle and continue to multiply when the temperature is right. The animals like it quite warm and prefer temperatures between 20 °C and 35 °C, which depends on the species. In cooler temperatures, reproduction often comes to a standstill. This is exactly the reason why the insects nest in your four walls.
9. Thin cockroaches
It is known that cockroaches are very difficult to crush. This is not only due to their rather robust physique, but also to their ability to flatten themselves out. Cockroaches can adjust their height up to three millimeters and thus avoid even the most powerful blow or squeeze through any crack. Because of this, you need an extremely firm object that won't give way to fight the adult specimens.
10. Beware of the bite
Yes, cockroaches can also bite in an emergency. However, this emergency is not a defense mechanism, but a lack of food or water. At night, the animals try to get water through human skin, which can lead to a very painful bite. Usually the bite does not hurt immediately, but only later, swells and a covering crust forms. You should clean and observe a cockroach bite. If an infection occurs, you should go to the doctor immediately, as numerous pathogens can get into the wound.
tip: If you are struggling with a roach infestation, you do not need to notify the health department immediately if the property is non-commercial. This is only necessary in the event of a severe infestation that cannot be dealt with on your own, or if the landlord has failed to clean it up.