We almost always think of cockroaches as creepy crawlies running around on the floor and other flat surfaces, but did you know that many cockroaches can fly? German roaches (Blattella germanica) are known to be the most common roach species you will encounter in your Conroe, TX home, apartment, or business. Even though cockroaches, in general, are considered capable survivors, it’s interesting to know that German roaches need to live indoors around humans in order to survive.
Many cockroach species, including German roaches, can also fly. Adult cockroach bodies aren’t built for them to be strong fliers, but yes, they can “fly” down (more like a glide) from a higher point down to the ground. For American cockroaches (aka the Palmetto bug or Water bug), this usually means from trees and rooftops, but it can also mean German roaches “flying” down from the ceiling or attic if they perceive a threat. But most cockroaches prefer scurrying around on the ground, where they can strategically move up to 3 mph. This would be like a human being running at speeds of over 200 mph.
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What Cockroach Species Can Fly?
American cockroaches, along with Brown roaches and Smokybrown cockroaches are well known frequent fliers. German roaches, both males and females, have strong wings and can fly, but not so frequently.
Take comfort in the fact that you’ll likely only ever need to deal with four main cockroach species, including:
- German cockroaches
- American cockroaches
- Brown-banded cockroaches
- Oriental cockroaches
Habits of German Cockroaches
German cockroaches (and all roaches) are night time (nocturnal) creatures. They go about their business at night and then rest and hide away in the daytime. Daytime cockroach activity usually means that their nest is so crowded that some have been shoved out. That also means you could very well have an infestation on your hands.
Cockroaches are dangerous mainly because they are a health hazard. They track bacteria, filth, and other pathogens with them wherever they go. In large enough numbers, they can even induce allergic reactions and make asthma worse.
How Do I Prevent Cockroaches in My Home?
Your best bet to reduce the likelihood of a cockroach (or other pest’s) infestation is always sanitation. But don’t lose heart if you’re a rockstar housekeeper, and you still encounter roaches. Cockroaches are amazingly resourceful, and they eat just about ANYTHING … including their own feces and their own dead.
Also, don’t leave clutter around … as in, no piles of magazines/newspapers, and no empty cardboard boxes lying around.
Favorite roach hiding places include: underneath, between, and behind appliances and furniture, in cabinets (especially underneath the sink), inside drawers and drawer wells, wall and floor voids, and underneath and between appliances.
- Keep floors vacuumed, swept, and mopped on a regular basis.
- Repair plumbing leaks, indoors and out, to reduce roaches’ water supply. Dehumidify your basement and crawlspaces if you need to.
- Wipe down countertops to keep them free of crumbs and spills. NEVER leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
- Cover your trash and remove it from your kitchen nightly. Keep your trash as far away from your entrances as possible.
- Seal up cracks, gaps, holes, and crevices around your house. Cover pipe/utility entry points and other vents with screens.
- Remove woodpiles and mulch at least 20 feet away from the side of your house. Some outdoor cockroach species love mulch and other organic materials as part of their diet.
You can do plenty to keep your home roach (and other pest) free. If you are seeing German roach activity and have a growing infestation at home, consider calling a professional. The faster roaches are controlled and contained, the more success you’ll have at eliminating an infestation and helping set the stage so that they won’t return. Save time, money, and headaches by calling our Conroe, TX pest control experts today! We’ll get rid of the roaches for you, and teach you more about how to keep them from coming back!
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