Cockroaches are a sign of unhygienic living conditions in any space. They are attracted to filth, are disgusting and can be smelly. For centuries, humanity has associated them with a sign of poor living conditions, but they can infest clean homes too.
These bugs are one of the most common pest phobias. But do cockroaches bite like many other bugs? And if they do, what do the bites look like?
Let’s take an uncomfortable look at the answers.
Do Cockroaches Bite?
The answer is yes, but it’s not nearly as common as bed bug bites or flea bites.
The reason for that is that cockroaches like to feast on sweet and starchy things like sugar, milk, cheese, grain products, sweetened chocolate, pastries, etc. This is why they’re commonly found in the kitchen including the microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator.
But, human bites can occur when the population has grown to the point of outgrowing available food resources. In that case, roaches will seek other food sources and, in rare cases, attempt to bite human flesh.
While there are records of cockroaches biting humans, it’s rare. A roach will resort to human flesh only in desperation. But they can indeed do that, both with a corpse or a living person.
Related: Do Palmetto Bugs Bite?
Are Cockroaches Poisonous?
No, cockroaches are not poisonous, nor do they produce any venom.
Unlike other insects, they also cannot sting. However, in the process of biting you, it’s possible to come in contact with the many contaminants roaches carry.
Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
Cockroaches are known to spread various diseases and bacteria which may cause:
- Itching
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Dermatitis
- Serious respiratory conditions
- Asthma
- Intestinal diseases
- Diarrhea
- Salmonellosis
- Cholera
- Dysentery
- Typhoid fever
- Leprosy
- Plague
- Viral diseases like poliomyelitis
What Does a Cockroach Bite Look Like?
A cockroach bite looks like a red bump that is raised on the skin similar to a mosquito bite. Like mosquito bites, people can react differently. However, unlike mosquito bites, the wound may scab over.
Another visible difference is that mosquito bites are smaller, but cockroach bites are larger. Those with cockroach allergies will likely puff up more. On other people the wound may barely show at all.
See Also: 15 Critters That Look Like Cockroaches
See Also: What Does a Midge Bite Look Like?
What Can a Cockroach Bite Do To You?
A cockroach bite can cause localized swelling as well as skin rashes, irritations, and lesions.
Cockroach allergens can also cause asthma or an allergic reaction.
Symptoms of Being Bitten By a Roach
As mentioned earlier, these bites look like small red bumps that are raised on the skin.
They’re a bit larger than the mosquito bite and can cause a stinging sensation, skin rashes, swelling, etc.
More extreme reactions may involve anaphylaxis, shortness of breath, or other potentially dangerous symptoms.
Usually, the symptoms won’t be as severe, but if they are, immediately consult a medical professional for treatment.
Does a Cockroach Bite Hurt?
Yes, they are painful, but it depends on your level of pain tolerance. The pain will not last for long, but in some cases, it can produce severe reactions. One interesting fact about cockroach bite is that it is fifty times more potent than its size.
See Also: Common Roaches in Florida, Common Roaches in California
Is a Cockroach Bite Similar to Other Insect Bites?
Not really. It may look like a mosquito bite, but it will be more prominent in size. Also, it might simply scab over or produce allergic reactions. It may even cause a severe asthma attack in certain individuals.
Is a Cockroach Bite Treatable?
Yes, cockroach bites are treatable. Most of the time, you can just treat it with simple home remedies.
Treating the Bite
- Begin by washing the wound and surrounding area with warm soapy water to disinfect it. Pat the area dry.
- You may choose to apply an ice pack or cold compress to help prevent swelling.
- You may also wish to apply some calamine lotion if you’re prone to itching.
- An alternative to calamine lotion is lemon juice or some other strong citrus juice. This home remedy does a surprisingly good job at stopping itches.
- If you want to use an extra antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide works quite well.
- You can also buy over-the-counter medicine for the pain.
- Keep an eye on the wound to make sure it doesn’t get worse.
Monitoring the Bite
Those who have bee allergies will already know this trick.
- Take a fine-point Sharpie and trace the edges of the swelling. You can also mark the time, if you wish.
- Check the wound area regularly and draw a new border if the size has changed. Again, you can add a time, if you wish.
- Alternatively, you can use a different color or take photos each time you mark.
- This allows you to keep an eye on the swelling and redness so you can catch any potential problems quickly.
If your symptoms continue to get worse over the next several hours, you should seek professional help.
You may be having have an allergic reaction that requires antihistamine treatment.
What Are the Chances of a Cockroach Biting You?
The chances are very low, or almost next to none. Cockroaches have plenty of normal food sources, so they won’t resort to biting you.
Even if they’re desperate enough, they would prefer dead skin over healthier, fresh skin.
But if a you do suffer a roach bite, that is a clear sign of a Joe’s Apartment-scale cockroach infestation.
It could also mean you’re the cleanest person on earth and they have no access to food residue. Once the population of roaches has overgrown the food resources available, human skin becomes a last resort.
Treat the bite quickly to reduce the risk of infection. Then go on the offensive.
See Also: What Do Roach Droppings Look Like?
How to Get Rid of Cockroaches
There are many ways of eliminating cockroaches that are in your reach.
#1 – Clean and Vacuum Your House
Cockroaches are attracted to filth, so if you regularly vacuum and clean your house, you will be able to cut off the perfect environment for cockroaches to live in.
You can also suck some of the little monsters up if you’re fast enough.
#2 – Liberally Use Boric Acid
Boric acid is arguably one of the best killers of roaches but (mostly) harmless to humans. You can quickly dust the surfaces in your home with the powder, which will keep the roaches away.
- Many household uses
- Meets NF standards
- Boric Acid Powder NF 6oz
#3 – Reduce Moisture
Cockroaches like tight dark places with ample moisture. By using a dehumidifier, you can reduce the humidity in your home.
#4 – Use Natural Repellents
There is a wide range of natural roach repellents that can be used for this purpose. Just place them on the entryways so that cockroaches will stay away.
#5 – Apply a Commercial Pesticide
You can quickly get hold of commercially produced disinfectants and pesticides, which can be used to kill cockroaches.
- Start killing small roaches in hours and prevent them from returning for up to...
- This package includes 18 child-resistant Combat Max roach killing bait stations...
- Formulated with food that specifically attracts small roaches, plus a powerful...
- Ortho Home Defense Max Ant, Roach & Spider1 spray starts to kill listed insects...
- The no-fume insect spray is great for use inside your home
- Kills and prevents ants, roaches and spiders indoors on nonporous surfaces for...
#6 – Call a Local Exterminator
The best way to get rid of a roach infestation is to call a pest control company. These professionals will deal with the cockroach infestation in a manner that’s completely safe for you and your loved ones for a reasonable cost.
Conclusion
Although not as severe as you might think, cockroach bites still may cause enough irritation to make you seek different remedies to soothe your itching and pain.
The good news is that they’re treatable, with few side effects. Just remember to get treatment right away if the bite looks severe enough.
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