Do Cockroaches Bite?

We all get the occasional bites from familiar biting insects such as mosquitoes, bed bugs or ticks, but what about cockroach bite?

While they do not feed on blood, cockroaches do indeed bite humans and only occur if they are hungry enough and its populations outgrow the normal food sources.

So, do cockroaches bite? The short answer is yes, but there's nothing you have to worry about. Cockroach bites aren't dangerous, but a cockroach infestation can pose a risk to your family's health. Did you know? cockroaches can contaminate food with their waste and saliva which contains bacteria.

Do cockroaches bite humans?

Roaches are nocturnal in nature, preferring hide during daylight and naturally shy of humans. Thus, although it's not too common, cockroach bites usually occur at night when people are asleep and not moving.

The main locations on the human body which cockroach bites:

• Face
• Mouth
• Hands
• Fingers

How dangerous are cockroach bites?

Unlike other pests, cockroaches don’t transmit diseases directly through their bites. But, what happens if a cockroach bites you?

You certainly know if cockroaches are considered as one of the filthiest animals. They are known to carry an array of different germs, bacteria and pathogens on their bodies and can transmit diseases such as salmonella through their faeces, urine, vomit and sometimes saliva. These diseases can be transmitted through infecting open wounds or inhalation.

Excrements which cockroaches leave behind also consist of allergens that can trigger allergy symptoms such as:

• Skin rash
• Itchy skin
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Coughing

In many cases with cockroach allergens, these symptoms often become chronic over time, lasting beyond typical seasonal allergies.

What do cockroach bites look like on humans?

Cockroach bites can sometimes be mistaken from other insects like bed bug bites and/or mosquito bites. However, there are a few subtle differences that can help identify the culprit of the itchy red marks on your skin.

Symptoms of a roach bite, including:

• Cockroach bites are bright red and are around 1-4mm wide and slightly larger than bed bug bites.
• Compared to bed bug bites which are usually found in groups in a straight line, cockroach bites only appear one at time.
• Like most insect bites, cockroach bites cause the skin to react by swelling up and becoming itchy.
• The bite from a cockroach can last up to a week.

In some cases, cockroach bites can also cause clusters of bumps at the site of the bite. If you are concerned about the bites and reactions you may have, you should seek medical attention.

Take a look on cockroach bites image below!

How to treat cockroach bites?

​In the face of a cockroach bite, it’s crucial to avoid scratching them, otherwise, you risk aggravating the condition and cause skin infections.

Below are your first aid treatment for cockroach bites:

• Wash the area of the bite with soap and water - This will help eliminate any germs left behind the cockroach and reduce the risk of infection.
• Place a cold compress or ice pack on the bitten area - This will help to reduce pain and swelling.

How to prevent cockroach bites?

To learn how to prevent yourself from cockroach bites, firstly you need to assess whether is your home at risk of a cockroach infestation?

• Is your home dark and humid? - Cockroaches live in groups and attracted to humidity, warmth and darkness.

• Have you done diligent housekeeping? - Keep your house clean is the easiest way to prevent cockroaches from being attracted to and infesting your home. Pay more attention to the cleanliness in your kitchen and bathroom area as well as empty your garbage on a regular basis.

• When was the last time you check your home structure? - Gaps, cracks, crevices and even pipes are many ways cockroaches slip into your home inviting.

• Are you watering your home? - Water spills and leaks from pipes, washing or watering activities or poor lifestyle habits encourage cockroach breeding. In fact, they can survive up to two weeks without water!

Lastly, the best way to stop cockroach bites is to combine both preventive action and controlling any cockroach problem you might have. The most effective way of completely removing cockroaches from your property is by enlisting the help of a pest control professional.

Think you have been bitten by a cockroach, or worried about a cockroach problem? Get in contact with Rentokil today.