Do Cockroaches Bite?

Have You Ever Wondered If Cockroaches Bite?

The short answer is – yes – cockroaches bite. When food sources are diminished, roaches start searching for other sources which may lead them to humans. There have been reported cases of cockroaches biting fingernails, eyelashes and calloused skin on hands or feet. Cockroaches will also eat dead skin cells which makes them even more terrifying. The five species of roaches found most often in U.S. homes are German, Oriental, American, brown-banded and smoky brown cockroaches.

Why do cockroaches bite?

Cockroaches need to eat to survive. If a cockroach infestation is allowed to grow, more food will be needed to sustain them all. Cockroaches are omnivores, which means that they have multiple food sources that includes both plants and meat. Because they can eat just about anything, roaches rarely will nibble on humans. However, if the food source declines and the roach population increases, they will look to whatever food is available.

What does a cockroach bite look like?

Identifying a cockroach bite can be difficult, as they often look like the bites of other insects. Cockroach bites can cause swelling, rashes, welts, itchiness and redness. The bites are a nuisance, but most symptoms will clear up in a few days. Unlike mosquito bites, cockroaches do not pose any serious threat to your health. 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.

Terminix Pest Control

For every pest you see, there could be hundreds lurking behind your walls. Beyond your walls, there can be hundreds of thousands looking for a cozy place to call home. Whether you have ants, roaches, mosquitoes or rodents, we will fix your Pest Problem. Every day you wait can make pests even harder to eradicate. Contact Terminix today for reliable Pest Control.