How to Keep Flying Cockroaches Away During Summer

When summer hits Australia, it brings warm nights, humidity — and unfortunately, cockroaches that seem to take to the air. Few things are as unpleasant as a flying cockroach darting across the room or buzzing towards the light.

While it might feel like they appear out of nowhere, flying cockroaches are simply more active in hot, humid weather. The good news is that with a few preventive measures and some smart habits, you can keep them from invading your home this summer.

This guide explains why cockroaches fly, where they come from, and how to keep them out of your house safely and effectively.

Why Do Cockroaches Fly in Summer?

Not all cockroaches fly — and those that do don’t necessarily like it. In most cases, they glide or flutter when conditions are hot and humid, or when they’re startled and looking for food or shelter.

Flying activity increases in summer because:

• Warm air helps them stay active. Cockroaches are cold-blooded insects, so their metabolism speeds up with higher temperatures.
  
• Humidity attracts them indoors. Damp conditions make it easier for them to survive.
  
• Longer nights and more light sources. Cockroaches are nocturnal and often fly toward artificial light or food smells.

In Australia, the main culprits are the Australian Cockroach, American Cockroach, and Smoky Brown Cockroach — all large species capable of flight.

What Attracts Flying Cockroaches to Your Home?

Cockroaches are opportunistic pests. They come inside looking for three main things: food, water, and shelter.

Here’s what commonly attracts them:

1. Food Scraps and Crumbs:

Cockroaches will eat just about anything — crumbs, grease, pet food, even paper and glue. Kitchens, bins, and pantries are their favourite spots.

2. Moisture:

Dripping taps, leaking pipes, or pet water bowls are magnets for cockroaches, especially during dry or hot spells.

3. Warmth and Darkness:

Cockroaches love dark, hidden spaces like under fridges, dishwashers, cupboards, and floorboards.

4. Clutter:

Stacks of cardboard, magazines, or storage boxes provide excellent hiding and breeding areas.

5. Easy Access Points:

Cracks, vents, drains, and open doors or windows make it easy for them to fly or crawl in.

Once inside, cockroaches multiply quickly — females can lay dozens of eggs at a time — so prevention is essential.

How to Prevent Flying Cockroaches from Entering Your Home

Keeping flying cockroaches away during summer starts with cutting off their access and removing the things that attract them. Here’s how to make your home less inviting.

1. Seal Entry Points

Cockroaches can fit through tiny cracks and gaps, and flying ones often enter through open doors or windows.

• Install flyscreens on windows and doors.
• Seal cracks around walls, skirting boards, and utility lines.
• Install door sweeps and weatherstrips on entry doors.
• Cover floor drains with mesh screens.

This prevents cockroaches (and other insects) from sneaking in when temperatures rise.

2. Keep Your Kitchen Clean

The kitchen is the heart of any cockroach infestation because it’s full of food sources and moisture.

• Wipe down benches and stovetops after cooking.
• Sweep and mop floors regularly to remove crumbs.
• Empty bins daily and use tight-fitting lids.
• Store food in sealed containers, not open packets.
• Don’t leave dirty dishes overnight in the sink.

These simple habits make your kitchen far less appealing to hungry cockroaches.

3. Fix Leaks and Reduce Moisture

Flying cockroaches love humidity. Bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens often attract them because of dampness.

• Fix leaking taps and pipes promptly.
• Empty pet water bowls overnight.
• Use exhaust fans to reduce steam after showers or cooking.
• Keep wet towels, mops, and sponges dry.
• Clean drains regularly to remove grease and debris.

Reducing moisture makes your home less comfortable for cockroaches — and also helps prevent mould and silverfish.

4. Declutter and Organise Storage Areas

Cockroaches hide in cluttered spots during the day and come out at night to feed.

• Clear out cardboard boxes, old magazines, and paper piles.
• Store items in plastic containers instead of cardboard.
• Keep garage, shed, and laundry storage tidy and dry.
• Vacuum skirting boards, under furniture, and behind appliances regularly.

A clean, organised home gives cockroaches fewer hiding spots and makes infestations easier to spot early.

5. Maintain Your Outdoor Areas

Cockroaches often start outside and then fly in through open windows or doors, especially at night.

• Keep garden beds trimmed and away from external walls.
• Move compost bins and rubbish bins away from the house.
• Don’t leave pet food or bird seed outside overnight.
• Check outdoor drains and vents for nests or egg casings.
• Turn off outdoor lights when not needed — light attracts flying insects.

By managing the space around your home, you reduce the number of cockroaches that come near it in the first place.

What Smells Keep Cockroaches Away?

Cockroaches have a strong sense of smell, and while no scent is a permanent fix, some natural repellents can help deter them.

• Essential Oils: Peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, and citronella oil can discourage cockroaches. Mix a few drops with water and spray around entry points, skirting boards, and corners.
  
• Bay Leaves and Cucumber Peels: Some people place them in cupboards or pantries to repel cockroaches naturally.
  
• Vinegar and Lemon: A vinegar-and-water cleaning solution with a few drops of lemon oil not only sanitises surfaces but also disrupts cockroach scent trails.

Keep in mind that these methods are deterrents, not permanent solutions — professional pest control is still the best way to eliminate infestations.

How to Get Rid of Flying Cockroaches Inside the Home

If cockroaches have already made their way inside, you’ll need to act fast to prevent them from breeding.

1. Use Baits and Traps

Place cockroach bait gels or stations in dark corners, behind appliances, and near bins. They attract cockroaches and eliminate them at the source.

2. Try Sticky Traps

Sticky traps help monitor activity and identify the source of cockroaches.

3. Avoid DIY Sprays as the Only Solution

Household sprays can kill visible cockroaches, but they rarely reach hidden nests. Overuse can also make roaches scatter and spread further.

4. Call a Professional Pest Control Expert

For large infestations or recurring issues, it’s best to get professional help. Licensed cockroach control technicians use safe, targeted treatments that eliminate both crawling and flying cockroaches — including eggs and larvae — while keeping your home safe for family and pets.

Are Flying Cockroaches Dangerous?

Cockroaches don’t bite, but they can still pose health risks. Their droppings, shed skin, and saliva can trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children. They can also carry bacteria that contaminate food and surfaces.

Seeing flying cockroaches often means there’s a larger infestation nearby. They breed quickly, and for every one you see, there may be dozens hiding out of sight.

Prompt prevention and treatment are the key to keeping them under control.

When to Call a Professional Cockroach Control Service

If you’ve done everything you can to keep flying cockroaches away — cleaned thoroughly, sealed cracks, fixed leaks, and removed clutter — but they still keep showing up, it’s a clear sign you need professional help. Flying cockroaches often indicate a larger infestation hidden in walls, drains, or roof spaces that household sprays and DIY traps can’t reach. A licensed pest control technician can accurately identify the species, locate their breeding areas, and apply targeted treatments designed to eliminate them, not just the ones you see.

Professional pest controllers use safe, environmentally friendly products that are effective against cockroaches while keeping your family and pets protected. They can also provide expert guidance on preventing future infestations, such as sealing entry points and maintaining moisture control. Acting early saves time, stress, and money, preventing a few stray cockroaches from turning into a full-blown summer invasion.

Final Thoughts

Flying cockroaches are an unwelcome part of Australian summers, but they don’t have to take over your home. By sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness, and managing moisture, you can significantly reduce their appeal to them.

If you’re still spotting cockroaches despite your best efforts, don’t wait until it becomes a full-blown infestation. Contact Pest Ex pest control experts for safe, effective treatment and long-term prevention.

A few simple steps today will help you enjoy a pest-free, comfortable summer — without any unexpected visitors flying through your living room.