For those of us who have seen cockroaches in our homes or businesses, there’s one important question: "do cockroaches have wings?” Or perhaps more to the point, “Can cockroaches fly?”



The majority of cockroaches do have wings. Because they have wings, does that mean they can fly? Most cockroaches with wings can fly, but some don’t. Consider some facts that will help you identify these unwelcome pests.

Do all roaches have wings? Almost all do, especially adult cockroaches. Still, take comfort in the fact that not all cockroaches can fly.



Cockroach wings vary in size and strength depending on the age and type of cockroach. Cockroach Facts explains that only a few species can fly at a distance of a hundred feet at a time, while others use their wings to “jump” out of dangerous situations. It also states that some cockroach species have wings that are too small to fly, and only the male’s wings are large enough to make air. 

Types of Cockroaches in Indiana

Indiana is home to many species of cockroaches, including roaches with wings. Consider the most common cockroaches in Indiana:

• German Cockroach: A german roach is small in size but large in number. They are the most common roach found in homes where food is stored. They have wings that can fly a short distance but prefer to use their legs for speed. 

• American Cockroaches:  Also known as water bugs, they have large reddish-brown wings. The wings are larger on males, but both sexes can fly and do so when looking for food. 

• Oriental Roach: The oriental cockroach’s wings are dark brown and shorter than the body. It’s one of the few winged roaches that can’t fly.

• Brown-Banded Cockroach: Small in size, and both sexes have wings, but only the male can fly for short distances. 

• Wood Cockroach: Wings are dark brown. Females and males have wings, but only a male can fly and does so for short distances like the brown-banded roach. Wood roach males can grow up to an inch long. 

• Cuban Cockroach: Not commonly found in Indiana but more known in Texas and Florida. This roach is still worth mentioning due to its flying skills. They are attracted to light and can fly far and high distances to reach their desired destination. Both males and females are skilled fliers. They are easy to identify because of their unique green color. 

• Smoky Brown Cockroach: Most commonly found in Texas and Florida, as the Cuban cockroach, but has been seen in northern Indiana. Their name comes from their color in the body and wings. You can identify them by the transparent tips on their wings that can fly. Both sexes of this species can fly.

For more information on identifying different types of cockroaches, visit our “Got pests?” page and select Cockroaches. This resource can help you determine what type of cockroach infestation you may have.

It may come as a surprise, but roaches with wings have two pairs of wings, equalling four total. According to Cockroach Facts , the first pair of wings are stiff and protect the membranous wings underneath.

As mentioned, some cockroaches' wings are functionless, while others allow them to fly up to 100 feet.

Both flying and non-flying cockroaches can pose a threat to human health. Why? 



On our Cockroaches page, you will see that cockroaches do pose a threat to our health due to the diseases it carries such as: 

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