Seeing a cockroach in your home is always unpleasant. But what makes folks in South Louisiana uneasy is wondering if cockroach bites are something to worry about. Other household pests like fleas and bed bugs bite humans, so it’s a fair question.
In this article, we’ll explain if cockroaches bite or sting, what a bite looks like, and how to avoid more bites in the future.
Key Takeaways
• Cockroach bites can happen when roaches are hungry and are most common during a large infestation at home.
• Roach bites look like red bumps and can lead to itchiness, swelling, or infections if not treated properly.
• Basic first aid, like cleaning the bite and using cold compresses, can help prevent allergic reactions and infection.
• Calling pest control services is the best way to stop future bites and get rid of cockroaches.
Do Cockroaches Bite Humans?
Cockroaches don’t sting, but they can bite humans.
It doesn’t happen often, but it’s possible, especially during a cockroach infestation. As omnivores, they’ll eat just about anything.
So when they can’t find normal food sources, they might nibble on things like dead skin, fingernails, or food residue on your body while you sleep.
Most often, bites come from the American cockroach or German cockroach, two common species of cockroaches in our region. Like mosquito bites, these bites usually show up on exposed body parts, like hands or feet.
While roach bites are small, they can still bring problems. These pests spread diseases like salmonella and E. coli, and their feces can leave allergens that trigger asthma and other breathing issues.
So when cockroaches bite humans, it’s not just annoying. It can be a health risk, too.
What to Do if a Cockroach Bites You
If a cockroach bites you, you don’t want to ignore it. Here’s what you should do next to keep things from getting worse:
Clean the Insect Bite Right Away
Since roaches crawl through dirty areas and pick up germs, be sure to wash any bite thoroughly with soap and warm water. This helps lower your risk of infection from bacteria or other pathogens.
Use a Cold Compress
A cold compress helps reduce swelling and calm the area. Just wrap some ice in a clean towel and hold it on the bite for 10 to 15 minutes.
Try an Over-The-Counter Antihistamine
If the bite itches or swells, you can use an over-the-counter antihistamine or a cream with hydrocortisone. These help reduce allergic reactions and irritation.
Watch for Signs of Infection
If the skin around the bite gets redder, starts to hurt, or leaks fluid, that may be a sign of infection. You’ll want to get medical attention in that case.
See a Doctor if Things Get Worse
Fever, chills, or spreading rashes and small skin lesions could mean a serious infection.
Don’t wait, see a doctor to be safe. This is especially important if you already have health problems or a weaker immune system.
How to Prevent Future Roach Bites
If cockroaches are showing up, or worse, biting, it’s time to take action. They don’t need much to settle in, so cutting off what attracts them can make a big difference.
Here’s how you can help keep them out and protect your home:
Remove Food Residue and Other Food Sources
Roaches are drawn to food scraps and greasy messes. Keep your counters clean, wipe up spills, and don’t leave food out overnight, even pet food.
This helps starve the cockroach population and lowers the chance of a cockroach infestation.
Seal Cracks and Crevices
Roaches can fit into tiny spaces.
Seal up entry points around windows, doors, pipes, and anywhere you see small openings. Pay special attention to crevices and baseboards, especially in older homes.
Fix Leaks and Damp Areas
Cockroaches love moisture. Fix leaky faucets, dripping pipes, and damp basements. A dry home is less attractive to roaches and other household pests.
Clean Up Allergens and Droppings
Cockroach droppings and shed skin leave behind allergens that can cause breathing problems and allergic reactions.
Clean these up well to help keep your home healthy and pest-free.
Call a Professional Pest Control Company
If you keep seeing roaches, especially during the day, it’s time to call a pest control company.
At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we offer fast, thorough pest management across the region. We treat your home, seal up entry points, and send a video of what we found, so you always know what’s going on.
Whether you’re in New Orleans, Thibodaux, or anywhere nearby, give us a call.Our exterminators are ready to help you get your peace of mind back and keep your home free from any type of cockroaches.
