Generally speaking, cockroaches do not like to mess with anything that’s a lot bigger than them. However, from time to time, they end up biting humans. Fortunately, cockroach bites rarely can put your life in jeopardy.
Since cockroaches love feasting on garbage, they carry lots of microbes with them. When they bite, it’s very much possible for the bacteria they carry around to come into contact with the break in your skin, causing irritation and swelling. In certain instances, an infection may also arise from a simple cockroach bite.
Worry not if a cockroach bites you. Below you will find some of the things that you should do in order to ward off any complication that may be associated with it:
Cleanse the Area
As soon as you’re bitten by a cockroach, have the area washed with soap and water very well. The best type of soap for the job is something that’s antibacterial. After cleaning the cockroach bite, dry it thoroughly.
Daub Rubbing Alcohol
If you cannot immediately cleanse the area with antibacterial soap and water, reach for a bottle of rubbing alcohol and apply some of it on the cockroach bite. Expect for some stinging sensation to ensue, but that’s okay — it’s a sign that the rubbing alcohol is zapping those microbes and keeping inflammation at bay.
Make Baking Soda Paste
An easy-to-make home remedy for cockroach bite is something that’s out of baking soda. All you have to do is add a few drops of water to a little baking soda. Mix very well until you end up with a paste. Daub the said paste on the cockroach bite. Let it stay in place for several minutes until much-needed relief is obtained.
Or Try Salt Paste
Instead of baking soda, you may use finely ground salt in making a special cockroach bite paste. Salt is very good at providing disinfection, plus it also offers some soothing effects.
Get a Small Piece of Onion
You may also attain relief from a cockroach bite simply by rubbing a small piece of onion on it. The smell may not be that pleasing, but onion is very good at reducing inflammation as well as killing off bacteria. Just make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly afterwards and avoid getting some onion juice in your eyes!
Smear Some Lemon Juice
You may also attain immediate relief by applying lemon juice on the affected area. This acidic juice is rich in antioxidants that can help prevent the cockroach bite from worsening.
Or Count on Peppermint Oil
If you are into essential oils, check if you have a bottle of peppermint essential oil. If you do, then simply massage a drop of it on the cockroach bite. Not only will this minty-smelling essential oil drive away the throbbing pain, but also reduce the risk of infection as peppermint essential oil has antimicrobial properties too.
Apply an Ice Cube
Can’t stand the stinging or burning sensation? You can make it go away quickly by placing an ice cube on the cockroach bite. However, do not let the ice cube stay pressed against your skin for several seconds at a time as it may cause damage to the tissues. It’s a good idea to first wrap the ice cube in a small piece of cloth.
Rely on a Piece of Banana Peel
So many people swear by the effectiveness of a banana peel in managing cockroach bites. All you have to do is cut a small piece of the said peel using a pair of scissors. With the fleshy side facing down, secure it over the cockroach bite using scotch tape. Replace with a fresh one after a few hours.
Do you know of other home remedies for cockroach bites? Kindly share some of them below!
