Have you ever wondered if those creepy cockroaches crawling around your home can actually bite? While cockroach bites are relatively rare, they can occur under certain circumstances. This comprehensive guide will help you understand when and why cockroaches might bite, how to identify and treat these bites, and most importantly, how to prevent both cockroaches and their bites through effective control methods.
Quick Picks: Best Products for Cockroach Control
Editor’s Choice
Best Powder
Best Spray
Do Cockroaches Actually Bite Humans?
Contrary to common belief, cockroaches can bite humans, though it’s a relatively rare occurrence. According to entomologists, cockroaches have strong mandibles designed to chew food, which they can use to bite if necessary. However, cockroaches are not aggressive toward humans and don’t seek people out to bite them.
Entomologists at Virginia Tech and the University of Nebraska have found that cockroach bites on humans are exceedingly rare and typically only occur under specific circumstances such as extreme infestations or when the insects are desperate for food.
The main reasons cockroaches might bite include:
- Food Scarcity: When cockroach populations are large and food is limited, they may become desperate enough to bite humans.
- Food Residue: Cockroaches are attracted to food remnants on skin, particularly around the mouth, hands, or fingernails after eating.
- Nighttime Opportunity: Most bites occur at night when people are sleeping and less likely to disturb the insects.
- Self-Defense: Though rare, cockroaches may bite if they feel threatened and have no escape route.
Three cockroach species are most commonly associated with biting humans:
- American cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
- German cockroach (Blattella germanica)
- Australian cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae)
Identifying Cockroach Bites
Cockroach bites can be difficult to distinguish from other insect bites. Here are the characteristic signs to look for:
- Appearance: Typically small, red, slightly raised bumps on the skin that may resemble mosquito bites but are often slightly larger.
- Location: Most commonly found on hands, feet, fingernails, eyelashes, or around the mouth—areas that might have trace amounts of food.
- Sensation: Usually mildly painful with some itching and potential swelling.
- Timing: Since cockroaches are nocturnal, bites typically appear after waking up in the morning.
Cockroaches carry numerous bacteria on their bodies and in their digestive systems. A bite can potentially become infected if not cleaned properly, leading to increased swelling, pain, and possible discoloration.
Cockroach Bites vs. Other Insect Bites
It can be challenging to determine whether a bite is from a cockroach or another pest. Here’s a simple comparison: To help with this, consider the size and shape of the bite, as well as any accompanying symptoms. While cockroach bites may leave small, red welts, bites from other pests like mosquitoes can cause more widespread irritation. For those unsure, utilizing water bug identification tips can be beneficial in distinguishing between these different pests.
| Cockroach Bites | Other Common Insect Bites |
|---|---|
| Small, red bumps with mild swelling | Mosquito: Small central puncture with surrounding redness |
| Often found on hands, face, and extremities | Bed bugs: Often in lines or clusters on exposed skin while sleeping |
| Mild to moderate itching | Fleas: Intense itching, often around ankles and legs |
| May show slight indentation from mandibles | Spider: Often has two puncture marks with significant swelling |
Health Risks Associated with Cockroach Bites
While cockroach bites themselves are rarely serious, there are some health concerns to be aware of:
Potential Infections
Cockroaches are known carriers of various pathogens that can potentially cause infections if introduced through a bite. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that cockroaches can carry bacteria that cause salmonella, staphylococcus, and streptococcus.
A study published in medical journals identified that cockroaches harbor at least 33 different kinds of bacteria, 7 types of human pathogens, and various parasitic worms that could potentially be transmitted through contact.
Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to cockroach bites, which can manifest as:
- More severe swelling around the bite area
- Increased redness and warmth
- Intense itching
- In rare cases, more systemic reactions like difficulty breathing
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that cockroach allergens can trigger asthma attacks, particularly in children, making prompt treatment and prevention essential.
If a cockroach bite shows signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge), develops into a large lesion, or if you experience fever, difficulty breathing, or other severe symptoms, consult a healthcare professional immediately.
Treating Cockroach Bites Effectively
If you’ve been bitten by a cockroach, here are the steps you should take to treat the bite properly:
Clean the Bite
Immediately wash the bite area with soap and warm water to remove any bacteria and reduce infection risk.
Reduce Swelling
Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in cloth to the affected area for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
Treat Symptoms
Use over-the-counter anti-itch creams containing hydrocortisone or take an antihistamine to reduce itching and inflammation.
Step-by-Step Treatment Process
-
Clean the Wound
Thoroughly clean the bite area with mild soap and warm water. For additional disinfection, you can use rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. Cleaning is crucial because cockroaches carry numerous bacteria that could cause infection.
-
Apply Cold Compress
Use an ice pack or cold compress wrapped in a thin cloth and apply it to the bite area for 10-15 minutes. This helps reduce swelling, inflammation, and numbs the area to reduce itching and pain.
-
Use Anti-Itch Medication
Apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to the bite to reduce itching and inflammation. Oral antihistamines can also be helpful if itching is severe.
-
Monitor for Infection
Keep an eye on the bite for signs of infection such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge. If you notice these symptoms or if the bite doesn’t improve within a few days, consult a healthcare professional.
Some natural remedies that may help relieve cockroach bite symptoms include aloe vera gel for its soothing properties, tea tree oil for its antiseptic qualities (diluted before application), and citrus juice which can help reduce itching.
Preventing Cockroach Bites
The most effective way to prevent cockroach bites is to eliminate cockroaches from your home entirely. Here are some strategies to make your home less appealing to these pests:
Keep Your Home Clean
Maintaining a clean environment is your first line of defense against cockroaches:
- Eliminate Food Sources Clean up food spills immediately, store food in airtight containers, and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends keeping all food sealed and disposing of garbage regularly.
- Reduce Clutter Regularly recycle newspapers, magazines, and cardboard boxes where cockroaches can hide. Clutter provides perfect hiding places for cockroaches during the day.
- Regular Cleaning Vacuum frequently, especially in areas where food is consumed, to remove crumbs and food particles that might attract cockroaches.
- Proper Hygiene Ensure that family members, particularly children, clean their hands and faces before bed to remove any food residue that might attract cockroaches during the night.
Control Moisture
Cockroaches need water to survive, so eliminating moisture sources is crucial:
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets promptly
- Don’t leave standing water in sinks or dishes overnight
- Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements
- Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens
Seal Entry Points
Prevent cockroaches from entering your home by sealing potential entry points:
- Inspect your home for cracks or gaps in walls, floors, and foundations
- Seal openings around pipes, windows, and doors with caulk
- Install weather stripping around doors and windows
- Use mesh screens on vents and drains
Since cockroach bites typically occur at night, make sure to wash your face and hands before bed to remove any food residue that might attract cockroaches. Consider using essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus around your sleeping area, as these may help repel cockroaches.
Effective Cockroach Control Products
If prevention measures aren’t enough, these products can help eliminate cockroaches from your home:
Advion Cockroach Gel Bait
Editor's ChoiceHow Does It Work
How to Use
- Apply small dots of gel in areas where cockroaches travel and hide, such as under appliances, along baseboards, in cabinet hinges, and around plumbing fixtures
- Place bait dots in multiple locations throughout the infested area, using more in heavily infested areas
- Reapply as needed when bait is consumed or every 2-3 months
- Avoid applying where cleaning products might wash away the bait
- Highly effective against even resistant cockroach species
- Secondary kill effect helps eliminate the entire colony
- No offensive odor
- Precise application means bait can be placed exactly where needed
- Does not repel cockroaches, encouraging them to consume the bait
- May require multiple applications for severe infestations
- Slightly more expensive than some other options
- Must be kept away from children and pets
- Effectiveness decreases if exposed to water or cleaning chemicals
Harris Boric Acid Powder
Best PowderHow Does It Work
How to Use
- Apply a very thin, barely visible layer of powder in areas where cockroaches travel and hide
- Focus on areas under appliances, behind toilets, under sinks, and along baseboards
- Avoid applying thick layers, as cockroaches will simply walk around them
- Reapply after cleaning or if the powder becomes wet
- Keep away from areas where food is prepared or where children and pets have access
- Long-lasting effectiveness when kept dry
- Works slowly enough to allow cockroaches to return to nesting areas, potentially affecting others
- Non-staining and odorless
- More economical than many other treatment options
- Lower toxicity compared to many chemical insecticides
- Must be applied correctly (very thin layer) to be effective
- Not effective if it becomes wet
- May take 1-2 weeks to see significant results
- Can be visible on dark surfaces
- Should be kept away from children and pets
Bengal Roach Spray
Best SprayHow Does It Work
How to Use
- Shake well before using
- Spray directly on visible cockroaches for immediate kill
- Apply to cracks, crevices, and areas where cockroaches hide
- Focus on corners, behind appliances, under sinks, and along baseboards
- Spray until surfaces are slightly wet but not soaking
- Reapply after a few weeks if necessary
- Fast-acting for immediate results
- Continues to work for weeks after application
- Easy to apply in hard-to-reach places
- Effective against multiple cockroach species
- Odorless formula
- Aerosol spray may cause cockroaches to scatter to new areas
- Chemical exposure concerns require proper ventilation during use
- Not suitable for use around food preparation areas
- Must be kept away from children and pets
- May not reach cockroaches hiding deep in walls
Bait Stations and Traps
In addition to the products above, consider these additional control methods:
-
Cockroach Bait Stations
Pre-filled bait stations are easy to use and can be placed in areas where cockroaches travel. These stations contain bait that attracts cockroaches and insecticide that kills them. Look for products containing hydramethylnon, fipronil, or abamectin for best results.
-
Sticky Traps
These non-toxic traps use a sticky surface to capture cockroaches. While they won’t eliminate an infestation, they can help monitor cockroach activity and reduce their numbers.
-
Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)
These products disrupt the cockroach life cycle by preventing immature cockroaches from developing into reproductive adults. They work slowly but are effective for long-term control. This approach not only reduces the current population but also minimizes future infestations. For those looking for detailed guidance on how to eliminate German cockroaches, it’s essential to combine these products with proper sanitation practices and thorough inspections. By addressing both the immediate and underlying issues, homeowners can achieve lasting results in pest control.
-
Natural Deterrents
Some households find success with natural products like diatomaceous earth, which damages cockroaches’ exoskeletons, or essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus, which may repel them.
While sprays provide quick results, they can cause cockroaches to scatter and potentially spread to new areas of your home. They’re best used in combination with baits and traps rather than as the primary control method.
When to Call Professional Pest Control
Sometimes a cockroach infestation is too severe or persistent for DIY methods. Consider calling professional pest control when:
- You’ve tried multiple control methods without success
- You’re seeing cockroaches during the day (indicating a large population)
- You have young children, elderly, or individuals with respiratory conditions that may be affected by cockroach allergens
- The infestation is widespread throughout your home
- You’ve experienced multiple cockroach bites
Professional pest control services offer several advantages:
- Expertise Professionals can identify the specific cockroach species and tailor treatment accordingly.
- Access to Professional-Grade Products They have access to more powerful insecticides and baits that aren’t available to consumers.
- Comprehensive Approach Professional treatments often combine multiple control methods for more effective results.
- Long-Term Solutions They can help identify and address underlying issues that attract cockroaches to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cockroach bites dangerous?
Cockroach bites themselves are rarely dangerous, but they can potentially become infected since cockroaches carry various bacteria. The main risks include local infections, allergic reactions, or in rare cases, secondary infections if the bite area is not kept clean. People with compromised immune systems should be particularly cautious.
If you notice signs of infection like increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge from the bite area, consult a healthcare professional promptly.
How can I tell if my bite is from a cockroach or another insect?
Cockroach bites typically appear as small, red, slightly raised bumps that may be mildly painful and itchy. They’re often found on hands, feet, and around the mouth or face. However, they can be difficult to distinguish from other insect bites.
The timing (occurring overnight) and location of the bites, combined with evidence of cockroach presence in your home, are the best indicators that cockroaches might be responsible.
Do cockroaches bite through clothing?
Cockroaches generally cannot bite through clothing. Their mouthparts are designed to chew soft materials rather than penetrate fabric. They typically only bite exposed skin, particularly areas that might have food residue, such as hands, fingers, and around the mouth.
Wearing clothing that covers your skin while sleeping can provide some protection if you’re concerned about cockroach bites.
How long do cockroach bites take to heal?
Cockroach bites typically heal within 1-2 weeks if kept clean and not scratched. The initial redness and swelling usually subside within a few days, while any itching may persist for up to a week. Using anti-itch creams and keeping the area clean can speed up healing.
If a bite doesn’t show improvement after several days or worsens with increased redness, swelling, or discharge, consult a healthcare professional as it may be infected.
Can cockroaches transmit diseases through their bites?
While cockroaches carry various pathogens on their bodies and in their digestive systems, there is limited evidence that they directly transmit diseases through their bites. The main concern is secondary infection from bacteria introduced during the bite.
Cockroaches are more likely to spread diseases through contaminating food and surfaces with their droppings and body parts rather than through biting. Their presence in homes can pose a serious health risk, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as children and the elderly. For those dealing with a cockroach infestation, employing effective pest control measures is crucial. Additionally, if you come across cockroaches and want to ensure you’re handling the right species, consider using white cockroach identification tips to differentiate between harmful and harmless varieties.
Kindly please tell me how to do a cockroach breeding.
I have been attacked o a daily basis all day long like they want me to stay out of this room they Are aggressive i got bit 4 times they have no concept of time i have never been bit in my 50 years of life didnt believe it till i started getting bit this house has food they ate not hungry they are not shy they are physcos
what is dangerous result cockroach biting?
I live in a small E.central Texas town. Our old house is wood frame and was a sitting duck for cockroach infestation. Every Spring I have a time period of raging infestations of the same critters, I fight the insane fleas and flies like crazy until it heats up and fades to a manageable level. We never had a problem with any type of house or cock roaches ever until my son helped a friend out with a place to stay for a while. This is just one of the tips I want to pass on…
Tip #1: Be careful what comes into your home, this person transferred them to my home from the grandmother’s (which I found out later was overrun with them). They hide in clothing, backpacks, everywhere. I started seeing them within a month and started fighting back. I absolutely cannot abide cockroaches in my home. I was used to being able to leave a covered pie or muffins on the stove comfortably. But I am not averse to using chemicals of a relatively same level, and being a horticulturist (and my husband, who is now disabled and is confined to his bed) was a pest control applicator for many years also. It’s not like I didn’t have the knowledge arsenal in my favor. But I must be careful with his health and I’m more reticent to haul out huge “guns” these days in this rural area. I ordered a product (Powder form-dissolveable in water) called “Demon” online after much research done. I purchased a sprayer and proceed to do a preliminary house clean and purge.
Tip #2: Get rid of old papers, stacks of magazines, clean dark closeted corners, cabinets, hot water heater closets. Just any place they can run to to hide. They will lay egg cases in area that are left undisturbed after setting up roachville there and will infest it with their excrement. This is what the newly hatched roaches can eat and live off of indefinitely. If you have even a tiny pipe leak in the bathroom or kitchen plumbing fix it asap. Clean every nook and cranny – places you never thought of – initially. Think like one. It will pay off, one grain of cornbread crumb can feed one for days. Whatever method you use this is valuable info. I removed a standing cupboard and bookcase from the house that were made of “composite” or pressed wood, you know it is just chunks or pulp wood items that are glued and form to mimic boards and fall apart when wet. They love that like nobodies business and those pieces were where I had the central problem. My kitchen cabinets were raw pine with a light varnish so I painted them also with a good latex. They love bare, raw wood as much as composite even if it has a veneer.
Tip #3: Keep consistent… Kill every one you ever see with your own eye, flyswatter, can spray whatever. For every one you kill you can feel better that there won’t be the thousands more from that one it would have produced. Clean, clean, CLEAN! Sink traps after doing dishes, take out trash and wash can, be mindful of places spills and crumbs can accumulate while cooking and eating. Eliminate what they need to survive and you’re on you’re way to winning the war. It won’t happen overnight, you must keep after it. They also love left out pet food in bowls (I put my cat’s bowl on brick placed in a 9×12″ high sided roasting pan half full of water which they can still reach). Litterboxes are like a buffet to them, scoop and wash regularly. I reduced the problem significantly over time but living in a wooden dwelling has been a drawback.
Tip #4: if you do chose to use aore chemical solution be sure to switch what chemicals you use every time you spray, or every 2-4 weeks. I add a tablespoon of diluted Elmer’s glue to my mix to keep the product spot viable a little longer for cracks and crevices. And they’ll eat that too and die. Spraying with the same thing will cause a resistance trigger to those that survive it and the new ones will walk through it and laugh at you. Those that remain after all this hard effort will be starving and desperate, you will notice strangely, the odd one that will take a chance out of desperation to come out of hiding if it smells or senses a chance for food. Another point of concern: Vacuum and spray the surfaces and underneath of furniture you sit or sleep in. I do this for the “bad flea periods” also, bit try not to eat there, I had a time where a war went on at my rattan sofa. I actually started to freak when I had itchy bites start to appear and was lost thinking What now? Somebody visited and brought bedbugs in as well? But that not being a very likely scenario I discovered that I was being bitten by tiny baby roaches while sitting one night as it walked into my white shorts. And I killed it and it actually does look so similar to a bed bug and bites just as hard. They also can run like a scalded dog when they know you’ve seen them. A bedbug can also tear off at an amazing speed to survive. So if you aren’t sure what you have take one to your local County’s Ag Agent, knowledgeable Nurseryman, or pest control company. If you hire a Pest Control company, get certification proof, BBB info, ask for and actually speak to real customers for their comment. Make sure you are given a set price for “The initial cleanout”. You will STILL have to do all the initial cleaning in prep too and in addition. I’ve seen my husband exasperated by customers who insist on living like slobs and gripe and complain to the company that they’re not doing the job to get rid of their roach problem. Another great tool that is natural to use in out of the way places is “Diatomaceous Earth”. It is a powdery light and dusty substance (don’t want to breath it in, though anyway). It is made from mining natural sources of deposits in the earth of fossilized ancient minute sea creatures called Diatoms. Under a microscope they resemble spikey sharp little shapes. How it works:any insect or worm with an exo-(outer) skin or exo- hard skeleton, like beetles, roaches, etc… They walk through a layer of it and it will rub and scratch small cuts on the insect. They help this along by trying to groom themselves too. They are unable to heal from these dehydrating cuts and it kills them. Great for anyone who has no use for chemicals or health/allergy issues. Livestock farmers and ranchers regularly feed it to their animals and cattle to safely kill internal parasites and worms. Good luck to anyone with a roach problem. I’m so sick of dealing with bugs but have a gradually better handle on it these days and just keep plugging away.
Want to get rid of the roaches in hospitals… So what pesticides can I use that doesn’t have side effects on human
I know thay should die
Mine is worst, have been seeing and killing them. though I make use of my room mostly @night. till this faithful day around 2am noticing a very sharp pierce, just to wake up and see a cockroach trying to escape. didn’t have any option than to used my hand and kill it. since then, I do my best to spray the room before I sleep.
Get several bottles of Hot shot with boric acid powder (white bottle blue lable) pull out fridge, stove & dishwasher. Apply a decent amount on the floor in cracks where wall meets floor. Bug man even told me to remove face plates from plug outlets add some in there & the reinstall covers. Once you’ve done this push the fridge, stove & dishwasher back. Also do in the bathrooms. Under the sinks, if you have laundry room pull out washer and dryer apply decent layer, remove outlet covers put a little layer in the box itself NOT the plug part & replace covers, put washer & dryer back. If you have a food pantry where you keep trash can it’s best to have a cover over trash (learned hard way) put layer in the bottom of the pantry closet (the floor) DON’T use near open food. We also got sticky pads and lined countertop with them every corner I then and each side of the stove. Per the bug man, they will walk thru the powder & like dogs & cats, roaches clean themselves by licking which means they ingest the poison. It only takes 1 female to mate 1x (ever with a male, just ONCE) & can lay up to 1500 eggs per year. Now IF YOU HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND/OR ANIMALS (THAT ROAM FREELY) EX. DOGS & CATS USE CAUTION! DONT LET THEM GET INTO THE POWDER!!
We’ve tried several different home sprays & this Hot Shot was last resort b4 calling bug man to resolve it for $400. Since using the powder we went from seeing dozens to ever so often my kitchen is packed up in plastic crates in livingroom. In 18 yrs of living here we’ve never had this problem, so I was horrified! Hopefully you caught early enough & can end It fast.
Help.. I’m in fifth floor apartment and I just heard a roach fly into my room. I killed it in time but I have absolutely no idea how they got in. I had all the windows closed and my rooms are all clean except one which i always have locked. What should i do??? I’m scared I might get bit. 🙁 I’ve seen none on my walls so far, and roaches are the first insect i’ve ever seen in my house.. Do you think it’s an infestation??? I’ve never seen holes in the walls as well.
Will roaches disturb .my pets? Dogs really? I have 2. Small dogs one always chews at s rear area the both scratch havent eeen ny flease. Could be roaches
Boric acid does help, but nothing can STOP the bites, they are eventual. Definitely clean w/alcohol and bleach those drains. Last night they’ll Run pierced my perimeter and got into the bedroom. Woke early, and after coming back from the crapper, found one crawling across my sheets. GROSS !!!! P.S. what is that black oil?
I spotted a roach a few days ago here at home I called my friend immediately and told her. She said don’t call the orkin companies. I ask why. She said they had more roaches with orkin than. without.. So they stoped coming on her requests. She said she started. putting out the little black traps from the stores. Also she said she collected numerous of small bottle. caps and put a 4th teaspoon of black oil into the lids. She placed 1 in her closet, 1 under. her beds, behind every table, under cabinets, and anywhere else she could see and think of except food , drains and not around food. area’s and stove. She kept washing her sinks with bleach after each meal and put small strainers in the kitchen sinks and in the bathroom sink and tub. She sprayed raid around all the doors inside and out 2 times a day. She took a shower every night and placed her. dirty clothes in a black draw string bag until she was ready to wash them.After a week she was rid. of the pesky roaches.Truth is I have tried it to. The method. does work.Use the black in the lids under your house away from water lines and pipes.. That helps them from going under your house and infesting there.
What is black oil & where can I get it?
I saw a few roaches ,so I started cleaning everything in house,now I have blood bites and under skin ,They get worse ever day h,head to too,even under waist all very body ,I’m only getting bitten think I’m crazy,you cannot help.I’m paranoid, most under skin, I’ve had cancer of face ,didn’t get worse until 8please answer quicklynow.please
I moved into a condo in Las Vegas where they had attached a concrete planter to an exterior wall off of the main bedroom. Unknown to me large Chinese and American roaches (what some would call Water bugs lived in the planter soil). Eventually, the weight of the water and soil caused a break in the wall and the roaches migrated into the walls of the house. My first bite came when I had laid down on the carpet in the back room and awoke to a piercing pain, as I looked at my forearm a huge roach was tearing into the flesh. I squashed him with the heal of my boot. The wound was bad, deep and infected with a signature triangle mark on top of the swollen bump. The triangle is the shape of their jaw and this part of the wound is always raw and is the last to heal. I had never seen a roach behave in this manner or been bit before this. We notified homeowners and I bought special commercial roach spray which you shoot into the wall. They got under the bed and it was a heavy hospital bed that couldn’t be turned over. One day my girlfriend was cleaning in the bathroom and she screamed as a roach came through the heating vent and dropped on the floor immediately running for the bedroom she tried to catch it before it too made it under the bed. Eventually I moved my girlfriend out and called in the city to have a look. While homeowners was trying to look busy having Terminex shoot subterranean pesticide around the condo I moved my sleeping area out into the living room. I laid out my sleeping bag placing super sticky packing tape (sticky side up) all around the periphery. The next morning when I woke up I had huge roaches stuck to the packing tape all around where I had been sleeping. Not one had gotten through thank God! I had triple taped the packing tape three rows deep. Forget people telling you they bite you by mistake, they attack you! I ended up moving out soon after that but was diagnosed with Autoimmune Disease which the doctor told me was likely triggered by the roach bites. This is a true story and I have the pictures, video and scars to prove it. The first time I inquired to a University about what was happening I was told that roaches don’t bite. Yeah right…
I have been getting bit by these things for about 3 days now while I sleep. It hurts so bad, and I can never stop itching it. I sleep by the wall and everytime I go to sleep I check the wall. I just found the cockroach hideout today in my food cabinet. I usually kill the ones I see, but today I was scared to open my cabinet. I took everything out very quickly and sprayed it down at least every 20 minutes for a couple hours. I’m so paranoid. When I close my eyes. All I see it roaches.
Question i’ve been getting bit by roaches non stop for over 6 days now . im severly allergic and nothing seems to work! Had a shot by the drs , gave my steroid ointment . is there anything else i can try out . its a burning pain that itches and i cannot seem to get rid of . fumigated the house and for somereason they still find a way in .
Adopt a cat or more, they’ll take care of the little pests 😉
I have cats too if they eats the roaches cant they get sick or have something wrong with their digestive system
Are you serious? Cats will get rid of them? We’ve got dogs but no go. We had neighbors move into a house that had burned 5 yrs ago & they started renovating it. Well now myself & other neighbors have them BAD! Ive sprayed, no go. Used borax with sugar, no go. Now trying hot shot powder. Fingers crossed. I’m so paranoid now that I don’t sleep & cant eat for fear. Lived in my house for 17 yrs & this is a 1st! Had knats, ants, flies & mice but this is by far the worse! Feeling hopeless!
I got bit by a roach a year ago…there is no more swelling but I still have the marks…hw do I get rid of these marks?
I never had roaches until a new neighbor moved in. Their house was infested. They bombed their home and it was like all the roaches come to my home. I have been dealing with these disgusting critters for about 2years now. I have tried everything to get rid of them. Nothing has worked! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I have cockroaches!!!!! I yelled and cockroach my grandma said were there she said thats a water bug no its not water bugs are hecka
big and she looked at it and said that is a cockroach never mind I was like boi . I’ve been sleeping on the couch ever since bye bye room
You made my day. I even forgot about giant roach in my dresser, lol!
When i moved into this trailer we found cockroaches everywhere so we tried sealing the walls and everything hoping that would get rid of the roaches but that didnt work so we tried fogging the place well that didnt work they just kept on coming back again so we tried using roach spray but that didnt work neither and my wife got bit by the cockroach and she went to the doctor to get it checked out and the doctor said that she is lucky that she cought it in time because if she wouldnt of than it could of spreaded through her whole body and caused a desease and it would of killed her so now we are working on doing a lawsuit against our manager.
Apply baking soda paste made using a teaspoon of baking soda and a little water to the bite. Leave it on the bite for 15 – 20 minutes. The baking soda has a cooling effect and its alkalinity will neutralize the acid of the bite. You can also mix equal parts of vinegar and baking soda into a paste and apply it on the bite.
I sleep by the wall and my husband has not one bite me all the time
mygirl fremd swares she is being betten by roaches we sleep in the same bedfor 9+years i have never beem bet whats up wit that
For one they only actually would bite you if they feel theart by you not from food because then they start to eat cardboards and carpet it’s just the fact
Roaches suck butt painful and so hard to get rid of
I’m so paranoid with this subject……I just can’t sleep in a dirty room. My younger siblings love to come to my room with food and I do not like that! Ugh, my mom always yells at me for kicking them out but she doesn’t seem to catch up my reasons. A few days ago, my little sister came with CRACKERS on her hands and crushed them on the floor. I freaked out and called my mom to clean it since she didn’t stop them, it was her fault. Later at night, I was watching TV in my room when I saw a disgusting cockroach crawling on the foot of my bed. Thank God I was awake or the nasty crawling-creature would’ve bitten my foot! Ew, I killed it then pretty much desinfected my bed with bleach. I DON’T CARE if I sound crazy! there’s no way I’m sleeping in a dirty bed……I’m the opposite of my best friend thou. My room is the cleanest and most organized in my house. My bff’s is the messiest and she told me about the cockroaches at night in her room. Ah….no thanks. I prefer not to do sleepovers in her house again. I mean, no kidding….my trash can in my room NEVER has food remains in there. My bff’s trash is a bag hanged behind the door and it has food trash in it. 0_o
How to get rid of German cockroaches
Are you googling this or are you putting that topic up as a suggestion
i live in TX i don’t have house roaches but every once in awhile a big wood roach will find its way in,that’s inevitable this is TX,the other day i found one belly up but it left a black trail, it was not roach pellets it was a black ink trail it looked like a ink pen leaked out and was slightly smeared around,does anyone know what that is or about, thank you, sue b.
I think that is liquidized roach poop that they let go of while they are dying, I live in Texas too and I’ve seen it before.
Yes. My roaches we’re coming from the neighbors through the sink drain. I pored bleach in them before night time and sprayed the vents in the bath room several times with roach spray that lasts for 6 months, still i repeated every week.
Sometimes I wpuld wake up at 5 or 6 am and see own crawling on the wall near my bed. I was so paranoid that I couldn’t sleep or would wake up every 30 mins to check, after I heavily sprayed all arlund my bed and all the power outlets I found couple of timestories dead roaches next to my bed early in the morning. That means those nasty ones were crawling near me (hope not on me) nightly while I was sleeping. All in all BLEACH in the drain helped me a lot, that’s when I stopped noticing them in the bathroom and much less anywhere. Spray outlets and vents too.
AND I forgot to mention: Keep all food stuffs,(including dog food), either in airtight containers or in the fridge. Wipe down all counters, inside drawers with diluted bleach solution, and do the same with your floor. Your sink drains should remained closed at all times when not in use. I’ve even plugged up the “vent” holes int the bathroom sink. Poor a few tablespoons down them each night. Pinesol also works.
YES, they bite!!! I lived in hell for 10 months where there was a German cockroach infestation. Dirty building and neighbors I found out after the fact of moving in….I thought it was bedbugs at first, collected samples that I brought to a local university’s entomologist. Confirmed they were this roach species. They got into EVERYTHING…my clothes, bed, and yes they will bite you if you’re sleeping or not. I had to wash all my clothes and linens…then they were transferred into my car. I spent over 100 hours and much $$$ researching kill methods.
This is my regiment: First I bought a mattress cover made for bedbugs. Then I put each leg of my bed into plastic cups filled with about an 1/2- 1″ of baby oil. They try to climb up, and they drown. Also try wrapping your bed legs in packers tape reversed, sticky side up. Then I began spraying both 90% alcohol around suspect areas..(under cabinets, plumbing, around electrical outlets)…If you have pets take them out of the room until it dries, and Cedarcide Best Yet spray($$$). Any place they could squeeze into my apt, I treated. It works for bedbugs too, (if you get at them early), but that’s another story…I quickly moved. I also sprinkled an organic food grade diatomaceous earth around my bed, the front door and in cabinets…the management would do nothing. get a “puffer”. (Now I’ve learned, if mgmt doesn’t respond, call your health dept, with proof. (You can get out of your lease if the problem isn’t addressed) I am traumatized every time I see a “filth” insect now, but the 3-punch method helped quite a bit. Wouldn’t you know, I moved back into a more expensive place I had lived before, and I though was clean. Evidently the prior tenant was a hoarder. This time those giant sewer roaches have invaded. Those really freak me out. (I’ve had nightmares) The battle begins again. I’m exhausted, but good luck to you all suffering out there!
I need to know if roaches bite because we got them and I really feel bad about us having roaches and I need to know do roaches bite
Yes they do, and it hurts!
They are in Redbridge stove. I have bites doctors thought was impentigo. Gave me bactroban. Allergic to them, so went from blister. To sores. God love you bc at night I can hear them in the walls. Landlord trying to blame dogs, worker stated they bombed it 3 to 4 times to get rid of them. They went into walls. Bites hurt. Then allergy makes them itch
Yes, they bite! Yes, allergic reactions happen – in my case extreme, constant itching. I had to see a dermatologist and get a strong medicine to control the incessant itching at bite sites. My arms were bit.
Can you mix sugar,baking soda,&boric acid?
I tried it pne time. Got a chemical reaction. It kept boiling over.
What we did was mix boric acid and sugar in a container and they all just started going for it.