So many species are considered insects, that if you counted all of the population of humans on the earth, it would still be a smaller number than the number of species of insects. This group of organisms is the largest in number by far. They are all around us, and we often don’t notice them. But the ones that we do notice, are usually the ones that “bug” us the most. Such as the cockroach. Can cockroaches fly? Many species of cockroach can, but not all of them. The ones that do, don’t fly very far.
Almost every species of cockroach has a set of wings. But these insects prefer to crawl on the ground. There are a few reasons for this. First of all, because they aren’t great flyers, staying on the ground keeps then safe. A better flyer, such as a bird, could catch and eat one easily. Also, their food source is on the ground. These insects are bottom feeders in every sense. They clean up the dead and dying matter on the forest floor. Or the kitchen, if that’s where they are at…
THE BIG AND UGLY ONES
Yes, there are large ones. In Oklahoma, we have the American cockroach. This roach is two to three inches long and reddish in color. This species predominately finds itself outside, in drainage and sewers, and under rocks. These big fat bugs have large wings and can fly. They don’t often, but they will climb up a tree or something and slowly glide down. American cockroaches are far from good flyers, and do so seldom.
These cockroaches love to live in the sewers. If you find that you have a broken pipe, or water leak, these insects are probably not far behind. In this situation, it is important that you call a plumber and correct the broken plumbing first, before calling your Broken Arrow exterminator. We have to stop the inflow of bugs before the population of American cockroaches can be controlled.
But, as large and ugly as these insects are, they are mostly harmless. If you do see them in your home, it is likely that you will see them in a basement or garage. They don’t often infest kitchens, and mostly prefer to nest outdoors. But keep a good eye out for this gentle giants.
THE ORIENTAL COCKROACH
The second biggest cockroach in Oklahoma is the Oriental cockroach. It got its name from the way that it came to America. This pest stowed away in ships setting sail from the Orient across the water to the New World. These creatures much prefer the great outdoors. Mostly you will find them in drainage ditches and sewers. But, as with the American cockroach, because they are found feeding on waste, they can spread disease if they find a way into your home.
They are large like the American cockroach, but their wings are just for looks. They don’t use them at all. If you find that these insects have come into your home, there are usually only two reasons. Either you have a pipe or plumbing break, or they just stumbled into the wrong place. Either is common, but they are not an insect that looks for our food. They also prefer the cooler outdoors, as opposed to our heated and cooled homes.
THE MOST COMMON COCKROACH OF THEM ALL
The German cockroach is most often seen inside your home. It is a pantry pest. These critters love to eat our food and live in our homes. I would say that around 70% of the cockroach calls that I get are for this roach. They are a smaller cockroach, compared to the last two, but don’t let that fool you. They are good hiders, and grow in population exponentially.
These insects are reddish in color with two light colored racing stripes behind their head. But can they fly? They do have well developed wings and are capable, but they seldom do. Just as the American cockroach does, they would glide downward if they did take to flight. But these insects seldom climb to heights that would warrant a take off.
Just as these roaches are the most populous, they also are the hardest to get rid of. Many people have put their trust in over the counter pesticides, just to be disappointed. Most over the counter pesticides are repellant type pesticides. This means that when the cockroaches sense these sprays, they run. Often, after someone has sprayed extensively, they will find themselves trapped somewhere where the home owner can’t get to, such as inside a wall or appliance. Here, they will wait it out, and continue reproducing. When the pesticide has worn out, they will be back, but in much larger numbers. Call your Tulsa pest control company for help.
HIGH CLIMBING COCKROACH
The fourth and last kind of cockroach found in Oklahoma is the Brown Banded cockroach. This little guy is about the size of a German cockroach, but with light brown rings around it’s midsection. These guys are often found in homes and businesses where they can find food and shelter. They differ from the German cockroaches in that they prefer to stay higher up off of the ground. Brown Banded cockroaches are often found behind paintings or on ceilings because of this.
But can they fly? The females can not. But the males can if they choose. Again, they don’t often fly, and in this case, it’s more of a controlled fall. Being tropical insects, they much prefer our warm homes and tasty food. If you have found these roaches in your home, you will need to call a Tulsa pest control company for help getting rid of them.
GETTING RID OF COCKROACHES FOR GOOD
These critters are hard to get rid of. They love to live in our warm homes and eat our food. They carry diseases and cause all sorts of problems. If you are finding your home or business with any kind of cockroach, its time to call a good Broken Arrow pest control company. Here at TermMax Pest Control, we specialize in all sorts of pest control issues, such as cockroaches. We service the greater Tulsa area including Broken Arrow, Jenks, Bixby, Coweta, Claremore, Catoosa, Owasso, Turley, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Prattville and much more. Call today for a free estimate. We are here to help!