If you’ve lived in Louisiana for any length of time, chances are you’ve seen a roach not only scurry across the floor—but also take off flying. It’s one thing to spot a roach; it’s another thing entirely when it’s airborne and heading your way. These flying roaches aren’t just creepy—they can also signal a bigger roach infestation in your home.
Let’s break down which types of cockroaches fly, why they’re common in places like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and how homeowners can protect their homes from these uninvited guests.
Key Takeaways
• Some roaches in Louisiana can fly, and they usually do it when they feel threatened or need to escape.
• Flying roaches come inside looking for food, water, and shelter, especially through cracks and leaky spots.
• Roaches can spread sickness and cause allergies, especially for kids and people with breathing problems.
• A few flying roaches might mean more are hiding, so calling pest control is the best way to stop them.
Can Cockroaches Fly? These Are the Ones That Do in Louisiana
Not all species of cockroaches fly, but some do, especially in areas with high humidity like South Louisiana. These household pests can glide or take short flights, especially when disturbed or trying to escape.
Here’s a rundown of common species you’ll likely see in our region:
American Cockroach
Also called a water bug, these reddish-brown roaches are among the largest you’ll see, measuring up to 2 inches. American roaches love sewers, crawl spaces, basements, and crevices and are known to fly short distances.
Smoky Brown Cockroaches
These dark brown roaches are excellent fliers and usually stay outdoors, feeding on organic matter like leaf litter. But in search of food sources or water sources, smoky brown roaches will venture inside.
Asian Cockroaches
These light brown roaches are often mistaken for German cockroaches, but there’s a key difference. Asian roaches can fly and are attracted to lights, while Germans stay grounded indoors, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
Brown-Banded Cockroach
These small roaches are also light brown and often found in warm, dry areas like attics and near electronics. While they can fly, brown-banded roaches usually prefer crawling.
Oriental Cockroaches
Also known as “black beetle roaches,” oriental roaches are shiny, dark brown to black roaches that prefer cool, damp spaces like basements and rarely fly—but they can glide short distances if needed.
Why Are Flying Roaches in Your Home?
Roaches get into homes for three main reasons: food, water, and shelter.
In South Louisiana, it’s easy for them to find all three, especially in older homes or those with entry points like gaps under doors, torn screens, or poor weather stripping.
Pet food and other potential food sources left out overnight, crumbs, and standing water from leaky pipes can draw in these pests quickly.
Once inside, they can multiply fast, leading to a cockroach infestation.
Are Flying Roaches Dangerous?
Absolutely. Roaches don’t just look gross—they’re dangerous. They can spread pathogens like salmonella and E. coli, which can contaminate surfaces and food.
Their droppings, shed skin, and egg cases can also trigger allergic reactions, especially in children or people with asthma.
A roach infestation can become serious fast, especially since they are known to reproduce quickly. It’s not just a one-roach problem—it’s likely dozens hiding where you can’t see them.
How to Prevent Flying Roaches
If you’re seeing flying roaches, it’s a sign they’ve found what they need to survive—and possibly thrive—in your home. Here’s how to help keep them out:
1. Fix weather stripping, seal crevices, and patch screens.
2. Fix leaky pipes and eliminate standing water.
3. Keep food sealed and pet food stored properly.
4. Remove organic matter like yard waste and clean gutters.
5. Use baits or boric acid (cautiously) in areas away from kids and pets.
DIY fixes may help small problems, but if roaches keep coming back, it’s time for professional pest control.
Don’t Let Flying Roaches Take Over
At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we know roaches.
Our team of exterminators specializes in treating all types of cockroaches found in Louisiana homes—from German cockroach infestations to flying roaches like palmetto bugs. We don’t just spray and hope for the best.
We use targeted methods and pest control services designed to break the roach life cycle and eliminate the infestation for good.
You’ll get fast, friendly service and full transparency—our techs even send you a video showing what was found and what we did.
Give us a call and let us take care of the roaches.
