Cockroaches are disease-carrying pests, but few people know whether they can fly. One of the most common questions people ask about cockroaches is, “Can cockroaches fly?”
The answer to this question is both yes and no. Let’s dive in:
Cockroaches are nocturnal insects with flat, oval-shaped bodies and long antennae. They have six legs, and most have two pairs of wings, which makes them appear as if they can fly. However, not all species of cockroaches with wings can engage in propelled flight.
Propelled flight is what you might see a bee or a butterfly doing – using its wing to transport itself a distance while defying the pull of gravity.
Most cockroaches that can fly properly only do so occasionally and for short periods of time.
Other winged cockroaches can use their wings for assisted jumping and falling like a chicken might. For example, they will use their wings to extend their jumping ability to control the speed and trajectory or jump down to the ground from a higher surface.
The most common species of cockroach found in the United States and, indeed, the UK, is the German cockroach. These cockroaches do have wings, but they are not capable of powered flight in the same way a bee is. This is because the wings of the German cockroach are too small to generate enough lift. However, the German cockroach will use its wings to assist in gliding to the ground from higher surfaces or jumping from one surface to another. So, while the German cockroach can not defy gravity, they use their wings almost like a paraglider to soften a fall and to control where they land.
Some other species of cockroaches, such as the American cockroach and brown banded, can fly, but only for very short distances. Generally, American cockroaches will take to the skies in droves when temperatures become too high (above 85° F or 29° C).
Check out this video that shows German and American cockroaches using their wings.
In the UK, we have only one other common type of cockroach, the Oriental Cockroach. This species can’t fly or use its wings for assisted jumping. The female Oriental cockroach doesn’t even have any wings. The male has wings, but they don’t work.
When cockroaches do fly or glide, it is typically only for short distances to escape a dangerous situation.
Male cockroaches may also use their wings for mating, using them to signal their interest to females.
Cockroaches have been around for millions of years, and they have developed many adaptations to help them survive – wings are one such adaptation.
While they are not great fliers, and most can’t engage in propelled flight, they have developed other highly effective methods for getting around, such as climbing, running, and even swimming.
If you have a problem with cockroaches in the UK, the team at Merlin can help. Just drop us a message, and we can advise on the best solution.
