Nature & Environment

American Cockroaches Might Take Flight In NYC Due To Rising Temperature This Summer

Elaine Hannah
First Posted: Aug 15, 2016 02:22 AM EDT

The American cockroaches might navigate the air due to extreme heat temperature in New York City, according to experts. The Big Apple City is experiencing oppressive heat and humidity this summer and roaches might fly all around the city.

Ken Schumann, an entomologist at Bell Environmental Services said that in hot steam tunnels, something with the temperature and the humidity encourages them to fly. He further said that when it's warm and steamy that seems to be what they like, as noted by DNA Info.

According to Huffington Post, there are two types of roaches in New York City namely the German cockroaches and the American cockroaches. The German cockroaches are mostly found in near stoves, dishwashers and sinks. On the other hand, the American cockroaches are found in basements, bathtubs and near drains. These type of cockroaches are the ones that might fly in the summer heat and in cooler temperatures they walk or run.

Louis Sorkin, the American Museum of Natural History's resident bug expert said that with more heat they have more use of their muscles and the more activity, the more flight. Sorkin also saw flying roaches in the museum's basement.

Meanwhile, Hao Yu, entomologists explained that they aren't flying so much as using their wings to glide for short distances, like from a higher place to a lower place. He further explained that they aren't true fliers as you would define a dragonfly or a bee.

The thought of flying cockroaches seems to be less unnerving,disgusting and quite horrifying. On the other hand, according to experts, there could be a brighter side. They said that these freaky creatures play a significant role in the ecosystem by helping vegetation decay. Could these help in excusing these gross-looking and horrifying species? The answer might be probably: Yes.

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