It's So Hot Out Cockroaches Might Start Flying in NYC

All American cockroaches have wings and the ability to take flight, but don't typically do so unless they're in humid climates

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The subway is arguably one of the worst places to be in this heat. And many are taking to social media about cars with no air conditioning! News 4’s Andrew Siff reports.

Here's another reason to hate the heat and humidity that has moved in on the tri-state this week: It's now hot enough to make cockroaches fly. 

DNAinfo reports that the steamy conditions outside could inspire the American cockroaches that inhabit New York City and other parts of the tri-state to take flight.

"In hot steam tunnels, something with the temperature and the humidity encourages them to fly," entomologist Ken Schumann told the news website. "When it's warm and steamy that seems to be what they like."

All American cockroaches have wings and the ability to take flight, but don't typically do so unless they're in humid climates. It's a common sight in the Deep South, where some call the flying roaches "palmetto bugs." The term comes from the bugs' tendency to hang out in -- and fly out of -- palmetto and palm trees.

Scientists said that because of the abundance of trash cans and other food supplies, they typically don't need to use their wings. But with this weekend's conditions, don't be surprised if the city-slicking roaches take after their southern brethren. 

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