The water bug is a bug that looks like a cockroach, but isn't technically part of the roach family. A true water bug is—true to name—an aquatic insect that lives in the water. Waterbugs hold their breath for a long time without resurfacing. If handled, water bugs can bite in defense.
The main difference between a cockroach and a water bug is the antenna. Cockroaches will typically have very long antennas, and you usually can't even see their head because it's located below the thorax, which is where the legs and wings of the cockroach are attached, says O'Neal.
Water bugs are flat, oval-shaped and tan or brown in color. They have clawed front feet, short antennae, and a piercing mouth and pointed beak. Cockroaches are also flat and oval-shaped, but they range in color from tan or reddish-brown to black. They have long antennae and “hairy" legs with a downward-facing head.
Cockroaches are typically light tan to dark brown in color, while waterbugs are tan to black, but their colors won't be of much help. Their bodies are oval-shaped and flat, and both species have antennae and wings. Waterbugs have piercing mouth parts and a short, pointed beak on the underside of the head.
'Water bugs or roaches are drawn to moisture – hence the name,' says Rachel. 'If they have not come up through your pipes and drains or garbage shoots, they may have entered your home through laundry, air ducts that contain moisture, crawling under doors, or being carried in on packaging.
Boric acid is an effective solution for getting rid of waterbugs, as it dehydrates and kills them on contact. This substance works by dehydrating and killing the insects on contact.
What Causes Them to Come Inside? Water roaches invade homes for a few reasons, most of which are out of a homeowner's control. Seriously—they infest homes both clean and dirty, as long as there's a little food and… the number one reason they move indoors…
Are Cockroaches Attracted to Water? Yes, all cockroaches need water, but some like it more than others. You may find these “water roaches” near leaky pipes, open liquid containers, water spills, places where water drips, and other liquid sources in your home.
Water bugs are attracted to moist, humid environments where food and water are available. Water is necessary for these insects, which is why they're drawn to warm, damp spaces, like basements, bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and attics, and any place with drains and pipes to travel through.
Giant water bugs have commonly been called “alligator ticks” in reference to their tick-like appearance. Additionally, these insects can commonly be mistaken for cockroaches, although they lack the long antennae cockroaches possess.
They may be found in bathtubs and in kitchen sinks, and even can crawl in through sewer drain pipes.
Some folks might tell you to shrug them off as a nuisance, something to get used to seeing. But water bugs are dangerous pests. They contaminate your home and spread disease. And your water bug problem will only get worse if you leave it alone.
Sprinkle boric acid in areas the roaches frequent; when they walk through it, it sticks to them. They later ingest the boric acid, which then kills them. When using boric acid, be sure to limit your exposure; don't place it anywhere that children or pets might find it, as it's toxic when ingested.
Water bugs tend to live in water. They can actually hold their breath for a long time, but do have to resurface. They can bite if they are handled. They rarely enter homes and prefer to eat other insects and creatures in the water rather than scavenge like cockroaches.
What Causes Cockroaches to Start Living in Your House? Cockroaches invade for a simple reason: they want something from your house. You already know that outdoor roaches often come in looking for warmer shelter. In fact, that's one of 3 primary reasons for cockroaches to enter homes: food, moisture and shelter.
Oregano, rosemary, mint, eucalyptus, lemongrass and catnip are great herby options. Citrus oils work brilliantly too. And surprisingly, lower concentrations – 2.5 parts per hundred – seem to work best as deterrents. Just don't bother with lavender.
Peppermint oil, cedarwood oil, and cypress oil are essential oils that effectively keep cockroaches at bay. Additionally, these insects hate the smell of crushed bay leaves and steer clear of coffee grounds. If you want to try a natural way to kill them, combine powdered sugar and boric acid.
No matter how clean your home is, if there's some excess moisture somewhere, it could very well be an attractive invitation for your neighborhood roaches. This is one of the reasons why you'll commonly find roaches hanging out in your bathroom and laundry room or around an appliance that produces condensation.
If you think you have cockroaches, do not panic. Finding roaches is not a sign that your house is dirty. Even if you clean regularly and maintain a tidy home, cockroaches can usually find food and water without much trouble. This allows them to thrive in many environments.
Getting rid of waterbugs inside the home is generally accomplished through the use of gel baits and powder pesticides. How do you get rid of waterbugs outside the house? Waterbugs outside the home can be treated with applications of a perimeter spray that kill those that come too close to the house.
Spray essential oils—Water bugs, like most insects, hate the smell of essential oils. Mix a few drops of citronella essential oil with water and pour the solution into a spray bottle. You can also use peppermint oil as another safe and natural pesticide option.
Baking Soda + Powdered Sugar: it is a powerful remedy to remove water bugs. It is simple yet effective. Just take equal amounts of both the materials and mix them. Sprinkle it on areas where the cockroaches are most frequently seen or their nest.