The whole truth about when and why cockroaches bite people
Cockroaches are one of the most frequent "guests" in human houses and apartments, but these large insects are very shy and try not to show themselves to their cohabitants. Despite this, many people themselves are afraid of them. Some are even sure that a cockroach can dare to attack a person and bite him painfully. In reality, everything is not so simple.
Content
Can a cockroach bite a person
The oral apparatus of cockroaches is quite powerful, because these insects eat a wide variety of foods. Thanks to a pair of strong jaws, these dangerous pests are able to bite even fairly hard materials, and therefore human skin or nails not a problem for them.
The insect firmly fixes the skin between the chitinous lips and the horns of the mandibles, holding it with the upper pair of jaws. And with the help of their teeth, they can pinch off layers of skin.
How often do cockroaches bite people
Cockroaches are shy creatures and, without special need, they try not to approach people, and as rarely as possible to catch their eye. For the same reason, cockroach bites are extremely rare. These insects are completely non-aggressive and are also accustomed to eating leftovers.
But in theory, cockroaches can be attracted by the smell of human skin. When people sleep they don't pose such a threat.
Why can cockroaches bite a person?
The only reason why a cockroach is able to decide on such a bold act is hunger. Under normal conditions, insects always find something to eat. Their diet includes almost any product:
- bread crumbs;
- leftover products;
- paper products;
- fungus on the walls;
- drops of fat;
- hard soap.
For this reason, cockroaches almost never suffer from hunger. But, sometimes circumstances can turn out differently, and then brave insects indulge in all serious.
The following reasons can push a cockroach to such close contact with a person:
- complete lack of access to other sources of food;
- too active reproduction of insects and, as a result, lack of food;
- the presence of food residues in a person's bed;
- lack of fluid sources.
In theory, a cockroach bite of a person is possible, but in practice this is a very rare case.
What does a cockroach bite look like
A cockroach bite is a rare occurrence, but people who have encountered it have described some of the symptoms.
Bite signs:
- pain at the site of the bite;
- redness or rash on the skin;
- slight swelling;
- itchiness
Therefore, they can bite:
- fingers;
- cheeks;
- lower jaw;
- lips.
Favorite places where cockroaches can bite are those that come into contact with food. If there is a choice, then cockroaches with great pleasure will choose a child, especially a newborn, as a victim. They often have leftover formula or milk on their bodies and are surrounded by crumbs. But children immediately react to anxiety with loud crying.
How dangerous is a cockroach bite
Since cockroaches are considered one of the most unscrupulous creatures on the planet, their bite should be feared. The consequences of a bite can be either very minor or pose a serious threat to the health and life of the bitten. The most unpleasant results of a cockroach bite are:
- individual reaction of the body;
- the appearance of scars at the site of the bite;
- severe inflammatory processes in the tissues;
- infection with dangerous bacterial and infectious diseases.
Several myths
Fear has big eyes, which is why cockroaches and their relationship with people have grown into myths.
People believe that since cockroaches can easily withstand radiation, they can accumulate radiation and transmit it to people.
This is not entirely true, because if cockroaches bite, then anywhere. And food debris and skin often accumulate near the nail.
Such a state does not arise, it is nothing more than a delusion. Most often, an allergic reaction manifests itself only in the form of itching.
Conclusion
Cockroaches are insects that are attracted to people's homes by food residues and places of constant accumulation of moisture. The opinion that they can show aggression and bite people is most often wrong. Most cockroaches are too cowardly for this and with a lack of food or water, they will most likely just go in search of food to their nearest neighbors.
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