Unlike most insects and bugs, cockroaches don’t need to bite you or depend on humans to complete any of their developmental stages. Do roaches bite humans? The answer is not really. They can but it is extremely rare for a cockroach to bite a person.
Roaches are omnivores that feast on many different things in this world. They have been documented to eat almost anything including:
- Organic matter, such as decaying fruits, vegetables, and plants
- Their favorite is starchy food like bread, pasta, and cereal
- Greasy items left out on plates or in pans are another favorite
- Anything with sugar is a nice treat for cockroaches
- Pet food left out all night will do for a snack
- Anything in the garbage can is fair game for cockroaches to eat
Nevertheless, cockroach bites are extremely rare, and it does not really happen.
Understanding Cockroaches
In terms of physical appearance, young cockroaches look almost exactly like their adult counterpart, only smaller and have different pigmentation. So for a better understanding of the fundamental anatomy of a cockroach, it is best to study the adult.
Cockroach’s body is segmented into three – abdomen, thorax, and head. They have a pair of long antennae that they use to smell and detect vibrations.
These antennae are joined to the head, which also has a firm mouth for scraping and munching food, a brain, and compound eyes.
Cockroaches thrive in and around human habitats and thus they are considered pests. The mouthparts of roaches are designed for cutting and chewing, which means they can bite.
Health Risks Associated with Cockroach Infestations
Cockroaches in your living environment pose a health risk because they carry harmful bacteria and can spread disease.
Even if they don’t bite, cockroaches are still dangerous to humans because of the types of diseases and pathogens they carry.
Cockroaches carry and spread numerous diseases, germs, bacteria, and pathogens. When they walk around your home, they leave a trail of feces, urine, and saliva that can contain harmful diseases that can spread to humans.
They can cause humans to get salmonella, E. coli, sepsis, typhoid, and digestive problems. These illnesses can be life-threatening to old people, very young, or individuals with compromised immune systems.
Considering almost everything is a cockroach food source, nearly all surfaces in your home might be contaminated if you have a cockroach infestation.
Prevention of Cockroach Infestations
Here are some ways to prevent cockroach infestation.
1. Seal all the Entrances
When the temperature outside gets too hot, cockroaches will actively try to enter your home to seek cooler hiding spots. They can also get indoors to escape the harsh winter temperatures.
They normally enter homes via crevices and cracks in windows, foundations, or doors. You prevent this by closing all the gaps around your doors and windows with weather stripping.
2. Keep your Kitchen Clean
If you can eliminate cockroaches from your kitchen, you would have done almost 90 percent of the work in keeping them away. Clean up any spills and make sure the kids learn this too.
Make sure you take out the garbage daily. Avoid leaving unwashed dishes and food crumbs in the sink overnight, as this will attract roaches.
3. Store Food in Airtight Containers
With their strong mouthparts, cockroaches can easily chew through thin plastic and cardboard which the majority of food products are normally stored in. If you are trying to control roach infestation, make sure you transfer your foodstuff to sealed containers.
4. Declutter
Roaches love clutters. Therefore, decluttering is one way of keeping these insects away from your home. Simplify your home by designating storage spots for essential and non-essential items.
Conclusion
Cockroaches live in and around the human habitat. Although they rarely bite, they can spread diseases such as salmonella, typhoid, E. coli, typhoid, sepsis, and can cause digestive issues.
For this reason, it is important to prevent a cockroach infestation in your home by doing some basic things discussed above. To kill off cockroaches if they are already in your home call a professional exterminator.
You can prevent cockroach infestation by decluttering, keeping your kitchen clean, and sealing off gaps in doors and windows. chewing through the plastic and cardboard containers most foodstuffs are stored in.
FAQ:
Are cockroaches hard to get rid of?
Yes, and this is because it is hard to keep our kitchen and dining space free of food crumbs. Moreover, cockroaches reproduce rapidly, and some are becoming resistant to pesticides.
Can cockroach infestations come back after treatment?
Yes, cockroaches can definitely come back even after professional extermination. So, be sure your extermination strategy should involve addressing the things that attracted them to your space in the first place.
How long does it take to get rid of a cockroach infestation?
You will see cockroaches die in the first few days after treatment. Getting rid of a cockroach infestation can take months depending on how bad it is.
How much does it cost to get rid of a cockroach infestation?
It depends on many factors, but you should expect to pay somewhere between $100 and $500 for a single treatment, although the average cost is normally around $150. But this cost can increase if the infestation is severe.
Can cockroach bites cause infections?
Although cockroach bites are rare, they may cause swelling, irritation, wound infection, and lesions.
How common are cockroach bites?
Cockroach bites are very rare.
How can you prevent cockroach bites?
Cockroach bites are extremely rare, and you don’t need to do anything substantial to prevent them. Don’t let cockroaches take over your home.
