Cockroaches are just about everyone’s worst nightmare. There are few things worse than flipping on the light in a room to see a cockroach scurrying for cover across the floor or wall. However, that nightmare can go to the air if you discover a flying cockroach.
They’re not your typical cockroach, but they’re just as disgusting and equally as terrifying.
So what is a flying cockroach, and how do you get rid of them? Let’s get started and see what you can do to protect your home from these flying pests.
What Is a Flying Cockroach?
There are approximately 55 different species of cockroaches in the United States, many of which have wings. However, not all roaches with wings will regularly use them. Like certain birds, some will only use their wings for short flights or to glide from higher locations.
Interior lights are going to attract any flying cockroaches present in a home. They’re nocturnal pests, making it very challenging for homeowners to discover them. They’ll often wait in a hidden spot until the cover of night and then emerge looking for food.
Homeowners are typically in bed when cockroaches come out for the night. It’s not until they turn on a light in the middle of the night that they discover the invasion. Trust us, if you weren’t awake before, seeing a cockroach gliding in the air will instantly wake you from your slumber.
Are Flying Roaches Harmful?
A cockroach infestation, flying or not, can create a horrible situation. Flying roaches pose a slightly larger risk as no surfaces are off-limits since they can fly for short distances. They can reach food on counters and in pantries with little difficulty. There’s the risk of contamination wherever roaches are present.
Cockroaches can leave bacteria behind wherever they’ve been, including on foods humans might later consume. When humans and pets ingest bacteria from the cockroaches, there’s a potential for dysentery, food poisoning, and other unpleasant illnesses.
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What Causes Flying Cockroaches in Your House?
Like many pests, flying cockroaches, like you, may find your house to be an attractive and comfortable place to live. This is likely because you have items around the house that attract the roaches to your home. Cellulose is one of the most common attractants homeowners have lying around their homes.
Cellulose is a primary ingredient in newspapers, cardboard, and paper bags. If you’re planning to put any boxes in storage, you should use plastic totes instead of cardboard boxes. However, it’s also an ingredient in many fruits, vegetables, and other foods. This is one reason why many homeowners find cockroaches in their kitchens. They’ll look for food remnants on the kitchen countertops, floors, and other surfaces.
What to Do If There Is a Flying Cockroach?
Your first instinct after discovering a flying cockroach in your home might be to pack your things and move. However, that might be an expensive solution to a relatively common problem. A much better option is to take some time to devise a plan of attack to rid your home of the pests.
You’ll first want to do your research around your home to look for any signs or evidence of roach activity. Look for droppings, shells, or live roaches in your home’s dark, moist areas. Some of the most common places are behind appliances, under sinks, and in cabinets, basements, and bathrooms.
Once you’ve compiled a list of sites for you to attack, place roach baits in all of these areas. Some homeowners have had luck using boric acid tablets. However, you’ll want to remember where you’re placing baits. Only put them in locations that are out of reach of pets or small children.
In addition to baits, investing in an insecticide is also a good idea. Spray the insecticide around the outside of your home and pay specific attention to any possible locations where roaches could easily access your home. If you find any gaps, seal them up as much as possible.
What Kills Cockroaches Instantly?
The most effective way to kill a flying cockroach instantly is the underside of a size 10 shoe. However, that’s not always the most accurate or sanitary way to battle cockroaches.
Using an aerosol spray will typically kill roaches and other pests on the spot. However, one mistake many homeowners make when using this method is using too much spray. You don’t need to drown them. Use enough to get the job done. You want to have plenty available for future battles.
Does One Cockroach Mean More?
Unfortunately, if you spot a single cockroach in your home, there are likely quite a few of its friends nearby. How many of its friends join him will depend on how long the infestation goes unnoticed.
The sooner, the better when discovering cockroaches and ridding them from your home. If an infestation goes unnoticed for too long, you may need to call a professional to use more intense methods to battle cockroaches in your home or on your property.
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How Common Are Flying Cockroaches?
Flying cockroaches are one of the most common household pests that homeowners have to battle. Some estimates are that 10% to 30% of apartment complexes have some sort of cockroach infestation.
If you live in a warm, humid climate, the chances drastically increase as the roaches will likely be more determined to find a cool, moist place to live. So keep your home clean, avoid using cardboard boxes for storage, and be on the lookout for any signs or evidence of an infestation so you can act immediately.
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