Whenever we see an insect we always wonder if it will bite humans; this is especially true with cockroaches. You might be surprised to discover that some species of cockroaches are able to bite humans. For example, German cockroaches may bite humans, however, it is not common for them to do so. Two other species of cockroaches, the Australian and American, are known to bite humans more frequently. It has been documented that these two species are typically the culprits of all cockroach bites.
How do I know if I have a Cockroach Bite?
It can be hard to determine if an insect bite is a cockroach bite simply because it may look like other insect bites. There is also a possibility that what you believe is a cockroach bite isn't an insect bite. It could be a skin rash or irritation.
Cockroaches eat meat and plants, making them omnivores. It has been recorded that cockroaches eat human flesh from living and dead specimens. However, cockroaches are more likely to bite on human fingernails, eyelashes, feet, and hands. Cockroach bites in these areas create swelling, lesions, and skin irritation.
Will a Cockroach Bite Cause an Infection
When you get roaches in the home, cases involving cockroaches biting humans are extremely rare, but if they bite people, it can cause allergic reactions. A cockroach bite is more than an inconvenience to a person with asthma or other breathing issues.
Although cockroach bites are not dangerous to humans; however, the allergens they produce pose a problem. Often the result is a skin reaction, such as a rash that lasts for days or even triggers an asthma attack.
What if a Cockroach Bites You
Should you be bitten by a cockroach, take all necessary precautions to prevent wound infection. Try to avoid rubbing or pressing the bite's location; wash it with warm water and soap.
To reduce swelling, treat the affected area with an ice pack. Scratching the site of cockroach bites is a normal reaction, as with any insect bite. However, try to avoid doing this because it will only worsen the situation
You might develop a skin rash or experience shortness of breath following a cockroach bite. In extreme cases, the area around the bite might become infected, causing the wound to be inflamed and filled with pus. Seek medical attention right away if this happens.
Cockroach Bites can Indicate an Infestation
Because it is extremely rare to be bitten by a cockroach, if you are, it could indicate there is a cockroach house infestation nearby. There may be a large nest of these pests somewhere on your property.
Even if a cockroach does not bite you, it can still harm us because they carry and spread disease.
Cockroaches need food to live. Therefore, they prefer to infest kitchens and other rooms in a home. Yet, they might even go after people, particularly if your body has any food residue.
What to do if you suspect an Infestation of Cockroaches
If you detect any cockroach eggs, you should immediately treat the area with insecticide and remove them from the area.
To prevent a cockroach infestation, clean your home on a routine basis. Learn also how to not bring roaches with you when you move. In addition, call a pest control company like A.N.T. Pest Control to remove these pests from your property.
It is a misbelief that many people think a cockroach releases venom when it bites a human. Cockroach bites do not leave venom, simply because cockroaches are not venomous. However, they will leave red marks, and the skin can be rather itchy at the site. Although this pest is not poisonous, being bitten by one still requires you to seek medical care immediately. Since cockroaches are dirty insects and carriers of many forms of bacteria.
Common Areas a Cockroach Bites
Cockroaches are similar to other insects in that they bite humans in certain places. Unlike other bugs, cockroaches won't bite wherever they want. Yet you need to be aware of areas they do bite.
Target Areas Cockroaches bite
Some of the body parts cockroach bites occur including the hands, mouth, face, and fingers. The reason these areas are prime targets is that we eat with them. Hence, they bite humans in all areas where food residue is found because they are looking for something to eat.
You might find yourself with cockroach bites because these pests find food sources all over your body. To avoid becoming a victim of cockroach bites, thoroughly wash your fingers, mouth, face, hands, and fingernails.
To avoid being bitten by cockroaches, ensure a routine of personal hygiene at bedtime. In addition, you can get rid of these pests by calling a pest control professional like A.N.T. Pest Control.
What happens when a cockroach's food sources are limited?
If roaches run out of food sources, they seek humans to feed on to prevent starvation. If an infestation becomes severe, it is possible for roaches to resort to biting humans. A large population of roaches is sometimes forced to alter their feeding habits and turn to humans for sustenance.
Why do cockroaches bite humans?
Cockroaches are timid and rarely do cockroaches bite humans that are living. It is mostly the German cockroaches that feed on dead humans. In addition, roach bites are known to occur more often at night.
Cockroach bites look much the same as the bed bug or mosquito bites, only larger. When roaches bite it is bright red, with raised bumps that are approximately one-four millimeters wide.
The difference between cockroaches bite and a bed bug bite
Roaches have two small mandibles that operate in a sideways version of how mammals work. Because these mandibles are unable to pierce through human skin, they gnaw on the outermost layers. Because the skin isn't broken, the roaches bite creates itchiness and only happens one at a time. The bed bug bites in clusters or lines.
What are the Most Common Types of Bug Bites?
A person can receive several types of insect bites inside their home. Besides cockroaches, here is a list of some other insects known to bite humans include:
- Lice
- Scabies
- Hair follicle mites
- Fleas
- Chiggers
- Bed bugs
- Kissing (conenose) bugs
- Mosquitoes
- Thrips
- Spiders
What are the Signs of a Roach Bite
Cockroach bites look like any other bug bites, making it hard to tell the difference. Cockroach bites normally occur at night and sometimes cause allergic reactions in some people. Besides being a vector for certain diseases, a roach bite can cause anaphylaxis or respiratory issues.
Ways to Reduce the Pain of Roach Bites
To reduce the pain of bug bites and prevent infection, clean the bite with warm water and soap first. After cleaning the area, start maintenance of the symptoms. To decrease the amount of swelling, apply an ice pack to the affected area.
You can also put some hydrocortisone cream or aloe vera gel on the area. In rare cases, anaphylaxis or other serious allergic reaction occurs; in this case, seek medical attention immediately.
Home Remedies for Relief of Cockroach bites
You can find several home remedies for cockroach bites in your kitchen pantry. Here is a list of some helpful items:
- Lemon juice
- Rubbing alcohol
- Aloe Vera
- Tea Bags
When it's Time to Call a Professional
We know the answer to 'Do cockroaches bite people' is yes. Although they are not dangerous, they carry diseases and allergens. To prevent cockroach bites, you must get rid of the pest and related food sources that attract them. Call A.N.T. Pest Control today and prevent future cockroach bites by eliminating the roach population!
