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What does it mean when roaches start flying?


Roaches growing wings and flying can be alarming at first. However, it’s a natural part of the roach life cycle. Cockroaches go through different growth stages, and only adult roaches can fly. If you suddenly see roaches with wings in your home, it likely means there is an established roach population that has reached maturity. While disconcerting, flying roaches don’t necessarily mean your home is dirtier than others or that you have a massive infestation. With some understanding of roach biology and behavior, as well as targeted treatments, flying roaches can be dealt with.

Why do roaches fly?

Roaches grow and molt through different nymph stages before becoming adults. Only adult roaches can fly. Roaches develop wings to disperse and colonize new areas. Some reasons roaches take flight in homes include:

  • Reaching maturity – Nymphs molt into winged adults capable of reproducing.
  • Overcrowding – Populations outgrow their harborage areas.
  • Disturbances – Activities flush them from hiding spots.
  • Foraging – Searching for food, water and mates.
  • Light attraction – Drawn to lights in darker areas.

So roaches flying indicates a population has matured, and adults are moving about your home rather than staying hidden. The flight response helps roaches scout new locations and ensure their survival. Even if you only see a few flying roaches, it likely means there are more developing nymphs ready to reach the winged adult stage.

Which roach species fly?

Out of over 4,000 roach species worldwide, only a handful are pervasive pests in homes. The most common pest roaches that fly include:

American Cockroaches

American cockroaches are one of the largest roach species, growing over 1.5 inches long. They are reddish brown with a yellow band around the pronotum behind their head. American roaches fly readily and have long wings extending past their abdomen. They are more common in humid climates.

Smokybrown Cockroaches

As the name suggests, smokybrown roaches are a dark brown-black. They grow over 1 inch long and have dark wings. They fly well and will disperse long distances between neighborhoods. They prefer warmer climates.

Brownbanded Cockroaches

Brownbanded roaches are smaller, around 1/2 to 5/8 inches long. As nympths they have distinct brown bands around their abdomen, which fade in adults. Adults have light brown wings and fly when disturbed. They adapt well indoor environments.

Asian Cockroaches

Asian cockroaches look similar to American roaches and can grow over 1.5 inches long. They are dark brown to black and have a yellow band outlining their wings. Their wings fully cover their abdomen. They fly well and can spread outdoors rapidly.

So in summary, the larger roach species that grow over an inch long are the most likely to become fully winged adults and take flight in homes. Smaller roach species may fly over shorter distances when disturbed but often remain grounded.

Are flying roaches dangerous?

While unnerving, flying roaches do not pose any additional danger compared to nymphs. They do not attack or bite people. Some people worry about roaches flying into their hair or ears. However, cockroaches have no interest in entering human orifices. They only fly to escape disturbances or find new harborage.

Some negatives of flying roaches include:

  • Allergens – Droppings and sheddings can trigger allergies and asthma.
  • Microbes – Roaches can transfer bacteria like Salmonella on their bodies.
  • Contamination – When roaches take flight, they spread filth picked up in drains, sewers and garbage.
  • Damage – Large roaches chewing on book bindings, cardboard, photos and other items.

So while flying roaches themselves don’t pose health risks, their presence indicates unsanitary conditions they originate from. Their droppings, saliva and potential for transmitting illness remain concerns. Also large species can damage household items. Overall, flying signals a more severe roach infestation requiring control measures.

How to get rid of flying roaches

If roaches have reached the flying stage, they have likely infested a property for some time. Severe roach infestations often require professional pest control. Some DIY treatment steps include:

Inspect and clean

Inspect carefully for roach entry points, harborages and food/water sources. Clean and vacuum thoroughly to remove roach allergens and waste. Eliminate moist areas prone to roach egg-laying. Reduce clutter limiting access to voids/cracks.

Seal entry points

Caulk and seal cracks and crevices where roaches enter and hide. Install door sweeps and screens to limit access. Traps can also monitor which areas need sealing.

Use baits and traps

Apply boric acid, gel baits and roach bait stations in likely harborage areas. Monitor trap activity to pinpoint areas of heaviest roach traffic for more intensive baiting. Concentrate tactics where roaches concentrate.

Apply insecticides

Use targeted spraying or dusting in cracks/crevices, under sinks, behind appliances, etc. Insect growth regulator (IGR) treatments prevent nymph development. Avoid scattering insecticides everywhere which can repel roaches.

Keep monitoring

It takes time to fully exterminate an entrenched roach population as eggs continue to hatch. Monitor trap activity and continue baiting, sealing gaps, and replacing traps until activity ceases. Call a professional if DIY efforts fail. Flying roaches are difficult to control without comprehensive tactics targeting nymphs and adults.

Conclusion

Seeing roaches suddenly take flight can be upsetting. However, it represents a natural development as nymphs mature into winged adults. While alarming, flying roaches do not present new dangers and are not attacking people. They fly in search of food, water, shelter and mates. Still, visible roaches represent an unsanitary infestation requiring control measures. Flying roaches may Elude traps and baits and spread to new areas. With diligent inspection, sanitation, sealing, targeted baiting and insecticide treatments, flying roaches can be eliminated from a home. Getting a handle on the population before roaches reach the flying stage is ideal.

Roach Species Appearance Size Behavior
American Cockroach Reddish brown body, yellow band around pronotum 1.5 inches long Flies readily both indoors and outdoors
Smokybrown Cockroach Dark blackish-brown 1 inch long Flies between structures
Brownbanded Cockroach Lighter brown with faint bands 1/2 – 5/8 inch long Short flights when disturbed
Asian Cockroach Dark brown to black with yellow wing outline 1.5 inches long Flies readily outdoors and between buildings

In summary, the largest roach species are the most prone to developing wings and demonstrating flight. Their ability to fly allows them to spread widely if infestations are not contained. While flying roaches themselves do not pose new health risks, they indicate unsanitary conditions requiring major control interventions to eliminate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean if I see a roach fly?

Seeing a roach suddenly take flight means nymphs have matured into winged adults. This signals an established roach population rather than just a few stray roaches entering a home sporadically. Flying roaches indicate a significant infestation.

Do roaches fly towards people?

Roaches do not intentionally fly towards people. They fly to escape disturbances or seek food and shelter. Roaches are not attracted to or interested in landing on humans. Any roach landing on someone is accidental.

How do flying roaches get in my home?

Roaches gain entry through cracks and crevices in foundations, walls, windows or doors. Common entry points include under doors, around pipes, through vents and due to structural damage. Nymphs often get transported in through bags, boxes and deliveries.

Are flying roaches a sign of a dirty home?

Not necessarily. All homes provide access and food sources roaches exploit. Clutter and unclean conditions make it easier, but even tidy homes can develop roach problems. Apartment buildings easily enable roaches to spread between units. The issue is best addressed through comprehensive control methods.

What is the best way to control flying roaches?

Professional pest control is often needed to fully eliminate roaches since DIY products may not reach all hiding spots. Traps, baits, growth regulators, insecticides and sealing gaps can control populations. Good sanitation and limiting food also deter roaches. It often takes weeks/months to exterminate roaches completely.

Summary

Roaches growing wings and flying can feel like an invasion, but it is simply a stage in their natural development. Seeing flying roaches means nymphs have matured into adults capable of reproducing and spreading. While alarming, flying roaches do not present any additional risks beyond what nymphs pose. Their presence signals an unsanitary infestation requiring comprehensive control methods. With diligent inspection, cleaning, sealing entry points, baiting and targeted insecticide spraying, flying roaches can be eliminated and prevented from returning. Getting a handle on populations before roaches take flight makes control easier.