Can Roaches Jump Like Crickets? | Find The Answer Here

Cockroaches are one insect that we as humans are programmed to hate.

There is nothing worse than sitting in your room, minding your own business, and then suddenly seeing a cockroach scurrying away in some corner.

Small or big, it doesn’t matter, it’s there and you are aware of its presence. Now imagine what if that cockroach could jump!! Or even worse, FLY!

Yeah, I am sorry for that image but this is what we are going to discuss in today’s article: Do roaches jump? And if yes, which ones and how?

So let’s jump right into it.

Can Cockroaches Jump Like Crickets?

When animals, humans, or even insects jump, it requires them to use the legs to push the body in the given direction.

Cockroach legs do not allow for this type of action.  

Instead, a cockroach can hurl its body into the air by using its wings to get itself out of any danger.

So even when we think that cockroaches jump, well, at best they do is ‘hop’ or at the most ‘bounce,’ but usually running is their only escape.

Do Cockroaches Fly or Jump?

Many cockroaches, and mainly those which are commonly found near us, have wings.

But still, very few of them can fly.

And even the ones who can fly, they usually can only for a very short distance.

And even though cockroaches have six very flexible legs, they aren’t designed to jump except for one type of cockroach- Leaproach.

How Do Cockroaches Jump?

Like I mentioned above, the one cockroach that can jump is Leaproaches.

Unlike other species of cockroaches, Leaproaches have significantly modified legs, which permits them to launch their bodies up and ahead, much like a cricket.

The Leaproach stokes its mighty jump with a large pair of back legs, which are double the length of its other four legs and more prolonged than its entire body.

These legs’ muscles shrink before take-off, saving energy that is promptly released, thus allowing them to jump.

Leaproaches – The Jumping Cockroaches

Now since I have already terrified you a little, let’s learn a little more about this particular species.

This unusual type of jumping cockroaches was discovered in Cape Town in South Africa in 2010.

The roach is technically named ‘Saltoblattella Montistabularis‘ but the researchers have nicknamed it Leaproach (the roach that leaps; quite apt don’t you think?)

These roaches that act like a grasshopper can jump up to 50 times their body weight and more than 3/4th of their movements usually consist of jumping from one place to another.

Exterminate Roaches with Professional Pest Control

Irrespective of whether it’s a flying roach or a crawling one, an infestation of any kind is bad because once inside, these buggers are tough to eliminate.

This is where an adept and licensed exterminator comes into the picture! To know more about them, fill the below-mentioned form to get free multiple quotes from the professional Pest Control Companies in your vicinity so that you can make an informed decision for your roach infestation problem.

Don’t worry; all the details that you mention here are 100% safe here! And by filling the form, at least, you’ll know how much you will have to pay if you take the help of your local exterminators.

Conclusion

I know that learning about the existence of a ‘jumping cockroach’ is probably not something many people look forward to but don’t worry, they are rare to spot in a civilization.

Leaproaches are not categorized as household pests, they are usually found on the top of high altitude terrains with ample greenery around.

So next time you see a cockroach, don’t immediately JUMP to the conclusion that it’s a Leaproach because I am pretty sure it’s not.

Nonetheless, if you have ever spotted one before then comment below and share your experience with us! We can’t wait to hear from you!