When Does Cockroach Fly?

If you’ve ever seen a cockroach take flight, you probably thought it was a bird. But, a cockroach’s wings are actually an adaptation from its ancestor, who was a fantastic flier. The American cockroach is no exception. Despite its wings, it prefers running, which makes it faster than a cheetah. While most species of cockroaches do not fly, some do.

When temperatures reach about 85 degrees Fahrenheit, cockroaches will start to take to the skies. Although cold-blooded, cockroaches must have wings to help them find food and avoid danger. They also use their wings to adjust their center of gravity and counterbalance themselves on uneven terrain.

Flying cockroaches are attracted to light sources indoors. If you notice a cockroach flying in your house, reduce the amount of wood in the area. Flying cockroaches like to live in decaying wood, and the more wood they have in their environment, the more likely they are to enter your home.

Cockroaches have four pairs of wings, but only one pair is used for flying. Their front wings are thick and color-matched with their bodies. Their back wings, on the other hand, are translucent and thin. They use the back pair for gliding and flight, and use the front pair as a protective covering.