Can a Cockroach Live in Your Ear?
WouterCockroaches are invasive pests that can enter the ear. They are known to cause ear infections and are among the most common invaders of the ear. If you think a cockroach might be hiding in your ear, think again. Cockroaches live in dark and moist environments. They are capable of surviving for up to a week without water or food.
The adult American cockroach, also known as the Palmetto bug, is dark brown and has dark markings around its eyes. Zane Wedding, a Greenpeace worker from New Zealand, once discovered a live cockroach in his left ear. The cockroach stayed inside his ear for three days. After the cockroach was removed, Wedding’s left ear still felt blocked and he used drops to relieve the pain. Eventually, he fell asleep on the couch and his symptoms went away.
Cockroaches are attracted to fermented foods, like cheese and bread. These foods contain volatile fatty acids that cockroaches find attractive. These substances also emanate from earwax. Luckily, these chemicals are not toxic for humans, but they can kill cockroaches.
If you find a bug in your ear, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Your doctor can use forceps to extract the insect. If the insect is large enough, he can use a catheter to remove it. You should not leave the insect in your ear because this can lead to infection. In addition, you should sleep in a clean bed, and avoid sleeping outside.
