Cockroaches are already creepy enough when they crawl out unexpectedly from hiding, but what’s worse is when they start flying around your home. While not all cockroaches fly, flying cockroaches exist, and they can be pretty unsettling for many homeowners.
These pests are unsightly and pose a significant health risk to humans due to the bacteria and pathogens they carry; they may contaminate food, spread disease, and trigger allergies.
In this article, we will explore how to get rid of flying cockroaches effectively; but first, we will identify the types of roaches that fly, and the signs of an infestation, then address the problem accordingly from the source.
Types of Roaches That Fly
There are over 55 species of roaches in the US, all adults have wings, but only a few can fly. Flying cockroach species use these wings to fly into safety or for mating purposes. Others, like the American cockroach, use them to glide from high areas to low surfaces.
Species such as smoky brown roaches, Pennsylvania wood cockroaches, Asian cockroaches, and Australian cockroaches can fly. Wood roaches are excellent flyers, but only males fly.
Signs of a Flying Cockroach Infestation
When flying roaches invade your home, they can go unnoticed since they are mainly nocturnal and only come out at night. However, you may see cockroaches flying when you flip the lights on at night.
You may also notice cockroach droppings that look like coffee grounds in areas with roach activity. Other signs of an infestation include a musty smell, shed skins, dead roaches, and egg cases.
What Attracts Flying Cockroaches to Your Home?
Light sources such as TV screens and lamp lights attract flying cockroaches to your home. Like most roaches, they are also attracted to food, moisture, and shelter.
Cockroaches fly into homes through open windows, doors, cracks, and crevices in walls. They also like to hide in warm places and are primarily drawn to heat-radiating equipment such as heaters, heating ducts, leaky air conditioners, and other electronic units.
Once inside, these pests seek areas with abundant food and moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms, dirty dishes, food crumbs, and standing water. They will then hide in old cardboard, boxes, bags, newspapers, frameworks, cracks, and crevices, making nests and laying eggs.
How to Prevent Flying Cockroaches
Luckily, there are several steps you can take to get rid of flying cockroaches, but first, you need to address the roach problem by making your home less inviting. This prevents them from coming back once you get rid of them.
Identify and seal their entry points with caulk or foam; possible entry points are cracks and crevices in walls. Seal window and door openings with weatherstripping or install a window screen to prevent the roaches from flying through these areas.
Turn off your porch lights. Outdoor lights can attract flying cockroaches into your home. Consider turning off the lights or using yellow bulbs, which are less attractive to insects.
Clean up food spills and crumbs, clean the dishes, put away pet food, and store food in airtight containers.
Get rid of excess moisture, put away pet water bowls, and fix leaky water pipes. You can also use a dehumidifier to eliminate excess moisture.
Eliminate clutter, such as old newspapers and boxes that the roaches nest in.
Create a Plan to Get Rid of Flying Cockroaches
Getting rid of flying cockroaches can be challenging but not impossible. Though most flying cockroaches do not survive for long periods indoors, you must eliminate them to prevent an infestation.
Flying roaches are dealt with the same way we deal with non-flying species; the only problem is that flying cockroaches take a lot of effort as they are challenging to eliminate with roach killers and baits.
Because, of this, it’s usually best to use a few different control tactics at the same time. For instance, you can put out bait traps while also using repellents to prevent new entrants.
Make DIY Bait Traps
You can make bait traps that are effective for use on flying cockroaches. One excellent bait is a mixture of sugar and borax. Place the bait in areas you have seen these bugs. The sugar attracts the roaches that feed on the borax, causing them to dehydrate and eventually die. Instead of using borax, you could use baking soda or diatomaceous earth when killing roaches. .
Use Sticky Traps
There are glue roach traps available in stores that can be used to catch flying roaches. The baits have attractants that lure roaches to the trap; the roaches walk on the sticky surface and get trapped.
Insecticides
Another effective method is the use of spray insecticides, unlike baits and traps; it is unlikely for flying roaches to resist spray insecticides. However, when using these sprays, follow the manufacturer’s instructions since the sprays can be harmful.
Repellents
Roach repellents are also effective in eliminating flying cockroaches. Several sprays can be helpful in repelling roaches, keeping them from entering your home. There are chemical repellents available at the stores that can help keep flying roaches away; these repellents should be used safely, especially in homes with children and pets.
Peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil, as well as other essential oils, are excellent natural roach repellants and can be sprayed around entry points to keep roaches out.
Hire Pest Control Services
If the infestation persists, call in a professional exterminator. They have the knowledge and the best solution for eliminating flying cockroaches safely and effectively from your home.
Don’t Let Flying Cockroaches Take Over Your Living Space
Flying cockroaches can be a frustrating problem for homeowners as they are challenging to eliminate. However, with the proper techniques and persistence, you can eliminate them and keep them away for good. Whether you’re dealing with full-blown pest infestations or just a few pesky insects, the tips mentioned in this article will help keep your home roach-free.
Take action today and enjoy to pest-free home.
