Cockroaches are omnivores that eat plants and meat. They have been recorded to eat human flesh of both the living and the dead, although they are more likely to take a bite of fingernails, eyelashes, feet and hands. The bites may cause irritation, lesions and swelling. Some have suffered from minor wound infections.
Cockroaches are not likely to bite living humans, except perhaps in cases of extreme infestations where the cockroach population is large, especially when food becomes limited. In most situations, cockroaches would not bite humans if there are other food sources such as in garbage cans or exposed food. One of their only beneficial roles is to break down organic matter, and cockroaches will eat just about anything they can find, such as paper, glue, leather and more. This is why thorough cleaning of areas like the kitchen and bathroom is so important to keep cockroaches at bay. Crumbs, trash and even hair offer an irresistible feast for cockroaches! When their numbers are left unchecked, the population may outgrow the normal food sources. Once the food becomes limited, the cockroaches will be forced to forage more and on things they would not normally consume like feeding on the human flesh. This is why it is of utmost importance that if an infestation is detected, it be controlled or exterminated as quickly as possible. Ordinarily, pest control would be contacted before the populations reach these levels.
The most serious cases of cockroaches biting humans have been on ships. It has been documented that some cockroaches on seafaring vessels have become so numerous that they gnawed the skin and nails of those on board. Some sailors even reported wearing gloves so that the cockroaches would not be able to bite their fingers.
Almost all of the roach’s species are capable biting humans. However, there are 3 species of cockroaches that are most known for their biting addiction. These are:
• Periplaneta American
• German cockroach
• Periplaneta australasiae.
German cockroach bite as well as the American cockroach bite is not fun. These ugly pests have chewing mouth parts due to which they can inflict painful bites causing mild skin reactions in sensitive people.
You can avoid being bitten by roaches.
Keep in mind that nearly the only reason a cockroach would ever bite a human is for food, therefore, it is advisable, if an infestation is detected, to avoid eating while in bed. Food residue on your mouth or hands while all the lights are off will be a strong invitation for cockroaches to bite.
Again, this would mostly occur when other prominent food sources are unavailable, but it is valuable to remember it when you think you may have an infestation.The most common areas for a cockroach to bite are around the hands, feet, fingernails, and eyelashes. These are areas where it can be easy for trace residues of food to linger, even in cases of good hygiene.
If you are ever bitten by a cockroach, dip a cotton swab in some rubbing alcohol and treat the bite. As far as these insects carry tons of bacteria, it is essential to debride a wound properly. Bites can get infected, become bigger and swell badly. Killing the infection by forcing the bacteria out of the bite is the first thing you are to do, but if symptoms do not go away in few days, consult with a doctor.
