Cockroaches are a common household pest. Nocturnal scavengers, they’re usually out of sight, which makes them all the more unsettling to think about.
This article will explore what cockroach bites look like, how to tell them apart from other insect bites, and some basic facts about these bites.
A lot of people think they’ve been bitten by a cockroach when, in reality, the skin reaction is due to something else entirely. Allergies to cockroaches are more common than cockroach bites, so it’s important to figure out the real reason for your symptoms.
Do cockroaches bite humans?
Cockroaches are opportunistic feeders, which means they’ll pretty much eat anything. Usually, that means decaying matter and food scraps.
But while it’s rare, cockroaches can bite humans if they need to. This usually happens when there isn’t another food source available, or if there is a high cockroach population in one place. Cockroaches may also bite people who are sleeping.
Cockroaches tend to bite fingernails, eyelashes, and feet because they’re drawn to dead skin cells in these areas.
What are the characteristics of cockroach bites?
Cockroach bites usually show up as small, raised bumps or welts on the skin, about the size of mosquito bites. They’re typically red or pink, and you may see a darker red spot in the center of the bite.
Unfortunately, cockroach bites are often intensely itchy, which can make them hard to ignore. You’ll probably notice some mild swelling around the bite area, along with redness and inflammation of the surrounding skin.
Potential complications
One of the biggest risks with any kind of bug bite is the possibility of a secondary infection. If you scratch the bite too much, you can break the skin and allow bacteria to enter. Signs of an infection include increased redness, pus, and pain.
Although rare, some people may experience an allergic reaction to cockroach bites. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include hives, a rash, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a cockroach, it’s important to clean the bite area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic cream. Try to avoid scratching the bite to prevent infection. If the itching is severe, you can try an over-the-counter antihistamine or corticosteroid cream. If you develop any signs of infection or an allergic reaction, see a doctor right away.
Differentiating cockroach bites from other insect bites
It’s not always easy to tell what critter has bitten you, but here are some ways to distinguish a cockroach bite from the bites of other common household pests:
Mosquito bites
Like cockroach bites, mosquito bites show up as raised, itchy welts.
One difference is that mosquito bites often appear in clusters or lines, and mosquito bites tend to be more circular than cockroach bites.
Bed bug bites
Bed bug bites also look like small, red, itchy bumps.
Bed bug bites often appear in a line or zig-zag pattern. You’re also most likely to find them on skin that’s exposed while you’re sleeping, like your arms, legs, or neck. Another distinguishing factor is that bed bug bites may take a few days to show up.
Flea bites
Flea bites are small, red bumps, often with a lighter “halo” around them.
You’ll usually find flea bites around your ankles and lower legs, and they often have a tiny hole in the center.
Spider bites
Spider bites can look different depending on the kind of spider that bit you.
Spider bites often have two distinct puncture marks, and they can cause more severe symptoms than cockroach bites, like pain, swelling, and muscle cramps.
Treating Cockroach Bites
If you think you’ve been bitten by a cockroach, here’s what you should do:
- Wash the area. Use soap and water to clean the bite and the skin around it. This will help prevent infection.
- Apply anti-itch cream. Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream can help relieve the itching.
- Use a cold compress. A cold compress can bring down any swelling and reduce itching.
- Don’t scratch! Scratching can open the skin and lead to a secondary infection.
- Seek medical help if needed. If the bite looks infected (redness, pus) or if you have a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling), see a doctor right away.
How to prevent cockroach bites
The best way to avoid cockroach bites is to keep them away from you. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Keep a clean house. Wipe down surfaces, store food in airtight containers, and clean up spills right away. Roaches love a mess, so deprive them of food.
- Seal up cracks and crevices. Roaches can squeeze in through tiny openings. Seal any cracks in your walls or around pipes.
- Set out traps or baits. These can help reduce the number of roaches in your home.
- Call a professional. If you have a serious infestation, you may need to call an exterminator.
In Conclusion
Cockroach bites tend to be small, red, and itchy. It’s easy to mistake them for bites from other insects, like mosquitoes or bed bugs.
The best way to avoid cockroach bites is to keep your home clean and pest-free. Proper sanitation, along with professional pest control, can go a long way toward preventing infestations.
If you think you’ve been bitten by a cockroach and you develop signs of an infection or a severe allergic reaction, seek medical attention right away. A healthcare provider can help you find relief and prevent further complications.