If given the chance, cockroaches can consume anything edible, including people. Cockroach bites are rare, despite the fact that they are possible. Luckily, they don't bite humans too painfully because they don't actually view us as food but rather as a threat, and they only bite when they feel threatened. If you do get bitten by a cockroach in your home, it's possible that you have an infestation; this means that the cockroach must have detected the smell of food residue on your hands, mouth, or any other part of your body and bit you for a quick taste.
When Cockroaches Bite People
The fact is cockroaches are timid creatures that will not dare come near humans while they are awake. As such, if you find yourself suffering from a cockroach bite in the morning, then it was inflicted while you were asleep. Though cockroaches bite and feed on human bodies as a food source, they only do so if they were dead, as they only feed on callused skin, eyelashes and fingernails of dead human bodies.
Cockroaches do not transmit diseases when they bite unlike other
insects, but they do carry germs on their bodies and even transmit
diseases through their waste matter. So, if these germs or diseases
manage to get inside your body through open wounds or if inhaled, then
you can become infected.
Symptoms You Can Expect
Usually you can expect allergic reactions to occur when triggered by a cockroach bite when your immune system reacts to the proteins found in the saliva, feces and the body of the cockroach. This also includes inhaling the allergens found on the waste matter and the body of the cockroach or after the insect comes into contact with the skin. Since the allergens cannot be seen and are able to become airborne, an allergic reaction can occur if you are exposed to the area where the cockroach was once present.
Allergic symptoms occur when the white blood cells of the bitten person
attack cockroach allergens. However, the symptoms will vary based on
health conditions. The most common symptoms are itchy skin, nose and
throat. Those with asthma are most likely to experience an asthma attack
when exposed to the allergens. The most severe of all allergic
reactions is anaphylaxis which involves low blood pressure, shortness of
breath and shock, leading to fatal conditions such as death.
Treating Cockroach Bites
The first thing you must do when you are bitten by a cockroach is to clean the wound with soap and water. If there is swelling, you must have ice applied onto it. It is important that you avoid scratching the wound as you might only end up infecting the wound. You can also use home remedies for cockroach bites such as lemon juice, tea bags, aloe vera gel and a mixture of water and baking soda.
In cases of severe allergic reactions to the cockroach bites,
immediate medical assistance must be sought. This is also essential for
those who suffer from asthma allergies and other health conditions,
especially in young children and the elderly.