July 29, 2025, 11:54 am | Read time: 4 minutes

Every year in July, I receive at least two messages from friends asking, “What is this? Do I need an exterminator now?” What looks like small cockroaches to the untrained eye in the pictures are harmless wood roaches. They belong to the only species of roach in Germany capable of flying. This is how they occasionally end up in homes—usually at the end of July. Many people kill the insects out of fear, thinking they have a pantry pest in front of them. However, the wood roach can be easily distinguished from other species.

How to Distinguish the Harmless Wood Roach from the German Cockroach

You can distinguish the amber wood roach (Ectobius vittiventris) from the German cockroach by its coloring: While German cockroaches have two dark stripes on their pronotum, the collar of the amber wood roach is solid, pale, and translucent at the edges.

Even though the German cockroach, known here as a pantry pest, has prominent wings, it does not use them for flying. In contrast, the amber wood roach does. Originally from Southern Europe, it is increasingly found in Germany in states such as Bavaria or Rhineland-Palatinate due to rising temperatures. On their airy excursions, they sometimes stray into human homes, attracted by artificial light sources. But don’t worry! This roach is completely harmless and neither eats kitchen supplies nor spreads diseases. ¹

The American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana) Can Also Fly

There is another flying cockroach species found in Germany: the American cockroach. This species originally comes from Africa and is now widespread around the world. The insects live both indoors and outdoors. Because they can grow up to four centimeters in size and can transmit many diseases, it might be particularly unsettling for many people that this species is capable of flying. ²

However, the insects rarely do this and actually use their wings more often for gliding. Additionally, American cockroaches are relatively rare in Germany because they require specific temperature and humidity conditions. In German homes, it is usually too cold and dry for them. They are therefore mainly found in commercial establishments with suitable conditions, in greenhouses, or zoological gardens.

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How Do Cockroaches Fly?

Cockroaches have two pairs of wings, but they only use one for flying. The front pair is often somewhat leathery and protects the insect’s body. The rear pair is hidden under the outer wings and can be used for flying and gliding. These wings are almost translucent, thin, and membranous.

To fly, cockroaches must first lift their front wings to expose their rear wings. Only then can they take off. During flight, the front wings are not used at all. Instead, the insects hold them rigidly out of the way until they land again.

By the way, beetles fly in a similar manner, which is why you might occasionally hear that cockroaches are beetles. However, cockroaches form their own order in the animal kingdom, scientifically known as Blattodea.

Can All Cockroaches Fly?

For those who are disgusted by the insects, here’s the good news first: No, not all cockroaches can fly. More precisely, there are two variants: flying and non-flying. And although most species have wings, they are not able to use them for flying. However, they still serve a purpose for the insects, such as acting as a parachute to cover short distances in the air.

And another piece of good news: Cockroaches that can fly are rare in the wild and rarely head directly toward people. Additionally, the insects only embark on “flights” under certain temperature and humidity conditions. This is because their wing muscles are weak, and they need external warmth to have enough energy to fly. Therefore, flying cockroaches are typically observed in the summer.