Cockroaches are creepy and crawly and gross. But can cockroaches really bite you? These clever little critters will run from you if you have a light on, but once it gets dark they come out in force. Cockroaches are night creatures that feed on almost anything – including human food scraps. And although some people think of them as vermin, these scavengers play a critical role in the ecosystem. They do not want to bite you – let alone eat you. In fact, most species of cockroach are actually afraid of humans and would rather run away than confront us directly.
For most of us, waking up every now and then with an itchy welt is completely normal. Most of us at some point have woken up with an itchy red welt on our body. We usually would blame a house spider, mosquito or in the worst case, a bed bug. However, some people also assume cockroaches will bite you if given the chance.
What do cockroaches look like?
All cockroaches are insects and are related to crickets and beetles. They’re also known as ‘Blattodea’, which is Latin for “shovel-shaped”, like their forelegs. There are more than 3000 species of cockroach, of which only a few are pests. In the US, the species that causes the most concern is the German cockroach, which is about the size of an apple seed. Most species of cockroach have very short lifespans of less than a year, but some can survive for a few years.
Cockroaches are very good at hiding. The first sign that you have an infestation might be little smudges of silvery dust. This comes from the wings of the insects, which are like tiny shavers that shave off flakes as they move around. Cockroaches are also great swimmers and can even survive being underwater for hours.
Do cockroaches bite?
Although cockroaches are extremely annoying, there is some good news: you and your pets are very unlikely to be bitten by one. Having said that, cockroaches have been known to nibble fingernails, eyelashes, and callused skin on hands or feet. Cockroaches will also eat dead skin cells. However, cases of cockroach bites are extremely rare. There have been reports of cockroaches biting humans on ships for instance, where they have become so numerous that they chewed the skin and nails of those aboard. Some sailors even took to wearing gloves in order to prevent the cockroaches from biting their fingers. It is thought this happened because there were few other food sources and a big infestation of cockroaches.
You are most likely to be bitten by a cockroach during the night when they are active. They also tend to bite areas that may accumulate food residue like the face, mouth, hands, and fingernails. Recently, infants residing in impoverished areas have been documented as victims of cockroach bites. Cockroaches have been known to crawl up and start eating the remnants of food on the infant’s mouth as the infant goes to sleep at night.
Cockroaches are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. In addition to decaying organic materials, they feed on human and animal excrement, book bindings, book bindings and glue, cardboard, carrion, clothing, dried animal and plant material, fat, hair, leather, ink, paper and paper products, starch and wood.
How do I know if it’s a roach bite?
Cockroach bites are difficult to identify, as they resemble those of other pests. It may also not actually be a bit at all. For people with sensitive skin or allergies, the debris left behind by cockroaches (including feces, shed skins and other particles) can cause an allergic reaction.
Cockroach bites typically appears as small, bright red, raised bumps that are 1-4 millimeters wide are a sign that you may have been bitten by roaches. Other insects, such as bedbugs, can cause similar bites. However, roach bites are typically slightly larger than a bed bug bite and generally only occur one at a time, while bed bugs will bite in clusters or lines. It may be very difficult to identify what actually caused the bite however unless you actually see the culprit.
Although you may think a cockroach allergy would be a rare thing according to the late Walter Ebeling of the University of California, Riverside entomology department revealed that skin reactions to cockroach extracts were prevalent in 7.5% of normal participants, but that 28% of people with known allergies also reacted.
What happens if a roach bites you?
Cockroach bites can cause skin irritation and swelling, as well as itching. It is important not to scratch roach bites to avoid developing a secondary infection. It is true that roach bites are usually harmless, but they can be annoying. Roaches do not transmit illnesses through their bites, unlike mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects. They certainly do act as vectors for germs and bacteria, but the good news is that they can be eliminated fairly quickly.
How do you treat a roach bite?
Some people react to a protein found in cockroach saliva. This may cause increased swelling and itchiness. Begin by cleaning the wound with warm, soapy water to prevent infection. Then you can address the issues. Reduce swelling by using an ice pack, applying aloe vera gel, or discussing with a doctor about using hydrocortisone cream. Roach bites are generally nothing to worry about physically, but they definitely could be a sign of a large infestation that you were unaware of that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.
Are all cockroaches bad?
The truth is, there are very few cockroach species that are harmful to humans. Many species of cockroach are actually beneficial to humans because they feed on decaying organic matter, including both human and animal waste. There are three species of cockroaches that may pose a public health risk:
The German cockroach, the Asian cockroach, and the American cockroach. Although the Asian and American cockroaches also prefer indoor environments, they are more prevalent outdoors and can be found in areas such as food processing plants, hospitals, and child care facilities. The German cockroach is the most well-known cockroach pest species. It is indoor- and outdoor-active, prefers warm environments, and can survive cold temperatures indoors around appliances.
How to get rid of cockroaches?
There are several ways to get rid of cockroaches, including: – Regular cleaning and hygiene such as frequent cleanings of the kitchen and bathroom and cleaning food spills. – Keeping food in sealed containers, as cockroaches can only eat food particles left behind. – Insecticides are also available in the form of sprays and baits.
– Traps can catch cockroaches in the act of hiding. This should be done in combination, with attention paid to the cleanliness of the area. If done properly, the population of these pests can be greatly minimised. – Cockroaches can also be killed by flooding their nest with a bucket of water or by using insecticidal sprays, dusts, and fogs in a larger area.
Conclusion
The truth is, cockroaches are here to stay. All we can do is try to reduce their population and keep our homes clean and tidy. Cleaning up regularly and keeping your kitchen clean is the best way to prevent an infestation. When infestation does occur, it is best to call a professional exterminator for a thorough treatment. If you are bitten by a cockroach, there is no need to panic as it is unlikely to be harmful and will go away on its own.
FAQs
Do cockroaches bite humans in their sleep?
Roaches tend to go out during the night because they are cautious of humans. But, when the night falls, it is also the time for them to bite humans because their targets are asleep. Because of this, it will be harder for you to monitor the pest and might as well wake up with bites on your body.
What if a cockroach bites you?
Cockroach bites typically show up as small, red, raised bumps on the skin. In some cases, individuals can suffer from a severe allergic reaction to a cockroach bite. This can result in localized swelling, skin rash, shortness of breath, and even anaphylaxis.
What does a cockroach bite look like?
Based on the physiology of cockroaches’ mouthparts, their bites would probably appear as red, raised bumps on the skin — similar to bed bug bites or mosquito bites but slightly larger. They have two small mandibles that operate like a sideways version of a mammal’s mouth.
