Many people are afraid of cockroach bites and wonder if these invasive pests make a habit of targeting humans. While cockroaches can bite people occasionally, it is not as common as some believe. We want to clear this issue up, because if you are getting bites in your home or work, it is very possible that you are dealing with more than just roaches. Continue reading to learn more about cockroach bites and how common they actually are.
Key Takeaways
- Cockroach bites are rare but can happen in severe infestations, especially when food is scarce.
- German and American cockroaches are the most likely species to bite in Florida and Georgia.
- Preventing infestations through sanitation, sealing entry points, and pest control is the best defense.
Understanding Cockroach Behavior
By observing the way cockroaches behave, we can get some clues about the types of food sources these pests seek out and how aggressive they are. Both of these details play into how likely they are to bite people.
Let’s start with food sources. Cockroaches are opportunistic eaters able to find food sources just about anywhere in your home or business. These pests will feed on things like residue left behind on appliances, dirty dishes, and food prep areas, as well as any other organic material they can find elsewhere. Besides kitchens, it’s also common to find large numbers of cockroaches in bathrooms (they often find food and water sources in drains and cabinets), food storage areas, basements, and pet food areas.
As far as how aggressive these pests are, they are not very high on the list of biting insects. They can bite when infestations grow to very large sizes or when food sources are scarce, but it is not typical roach behavior to bite humans. In general, roaches do their best to stay away from people. They are nocturnal creatures and they are most active at night. If you’ve ever seen how fast they flee when lights are turned on in a dark room, it’s pretty easy to see that they want nothing to do with us. That said, however, roaches are highly adaptable and will modify their behaviors to survive.
Common Cockroaches in Florida and Georgia
In Florida and Georgia, the most common cockroach infestations we see are German cockroaches and American cockroaches. Due to the warm, humid climate, there are many other types as well. We also see species like Smokybrown, brown-banded, Asian, and Florida woods cockroaches.
- German Cockroach: The most common cockroach found indoors in the Southeast is the German cockroach. They are smaller than American roaches, and infestations can get very large. These roaches thrive in kitchens, bathrooms, and any other place that provides a constant source of food and water. These roaches rarely bite people, but when food is scarce and infestations are severe, they have been known to nibble on dead or soft skin, fingernails, and even the eyelashes of sleeping people.
- American Cockroach: American cockroaches are often called palmetto bugs in Florida and Georgia. They are large insects, growing over two inches long in some cases. While these cockroaches do try to avoid people, they will explore areas that people are sleeping in to find food. Bites can happen when these pests look for food on people as they sleep. Most bites are actually people being “poked” by the large spines on their legs.
Identifying Cockroach Bites
While cockroach bites are rare, they do come with some risks, and it is important to identify them as soon as possible. They can spread dangerous pathogens, and treatment can differ between roach bites and bites from other types of pests.
Here’s what to look for:
Trait | Cockroach Bite | Mosquito Bite | Spider Bite |
Appearance | Small, red bump with jagged edges; may include abrasion | Round bump, even border | Varies; often with two puncture marks |
Common Locations | Hands, fingers, nails, eyelids (while sleeping) | Arms, legs, neck | Any exposed skin, sometimes localized to limbs |
Itch Level | Moderate to intense itching | Intense itching | Can be mild or painful |
Swelling & Redness | Mild to moderate | Mild | Often significant; can include blistering |
Timing | Overnight in high-infestation environments | Anytime outdoors | Irregular timing—often from contact or hiding places |
Health Implications of Cockroach Bites
Roach bites are not poisonous, but that doesn’t mean they are completely safe. Cockroach bites can be itchy, which can lead to scratching, and too much scratching can lead to secondary infections. Bites can also cause allergic or asthmatic reactions in some people.
Roaches are also known disease carriers, and they can spread things like Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus through bites. They don’t have to bite you to spread these diseases, though. Roaches can also contaminate areas they come in contact with, like countertops, cabinets, and food storage bins, with bacteria from sewers or garbage.
Large infestations can also cause long-term exposure risk for children, the elderly, and anyone suffering from asthma. The waste, shed skins, and egg casings break down over time, impacting the air quality in the infested area.
Treating Cockroach Bites
Luckily, treating cockroach bites is pretty straightforward. The first thing you should do is wash the bite area with soap and water. If there is swelling, an ice pack can be used to bring it down and offer some relief.
After that, you might consider picking up some over-the-counter treatments, like hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines, to ease the itching caused by the bites. Aloe vera is also commonly used for bite relief. Its soothing effects can help in many cases.
If these methods don’t work, you’ll know fairly quickly. If bites become red, swollen, or warm, there is likely an infection. Another sign of an infection is if the bite begins to leak pus. Additionally, fevers and rashes can be signs that it’s time to seek the help of a medical professional.
Preventing Cockroach Infestations (and Bites)
To avoid getting bites from cockroaches, the best course of action is to prevent roach infestations. Here are a few things you can do to defend your home or business against these highly invasive pests.
- Hygiene: Roaches need a continuous food source to thrive. Making sure crumbs are cleaned up on a regular basis, counters are wiped, and dishes are not left in the sink for extended periods are all good examples of how to avoid feeding these pests. Similar cleaning habits for bathrooms, garbage areas, and other cockroach hot spots are also essential.
- Water Source Management: In addition to food, roaches need water to survive. Leaky faucets, drains, and even access to damp areas like crawlspaces can give them all the water they need. Cutting off access to areas where they can get water and fixing any leaks you may have can go a long way.
- Mechanical Exclusion: Sealing off entry points, putting screens on drain openings, and caulking any gaps that exist along windows and doors can help control the mobility of these pests through your home or business.
- Professional Pest Control: One of the most surefire ways to minimize infestation risk is to call in a professional pest control team. A combination of location-based expertise, industry knowledge, and many years of experience is all it takes to handle any type of roach-related risk you may be dealing with. Nextgen Pest Solutions, for example, not only offers a free inspection but also a range of preventative tools and routine treatments to keep these pests at bay.
Conclusion: Knowing Is the First Step to Protection
Cockroach bites are rare, but they can happen. When they do happen, these bites can cause discomfort and stress. In some people, though, the risks are even more serious as diseases spread by these pests, and allergic reactions can cause complications requiring medical attention. The best way to avoid bites is to prevent and eliminate cockroach infestations before they become a problem. Even if you just see one or two roaches walking around your home or business, a large-scale infestation might be just around the corner. It is always a good idea to control these pests as soon as you see them.
