By Bob Vila and Evelyn Auer | Updated Oct 31, 2023 5:28 AM
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When most people refer to a “water bug,” they’re actually employing a delicate colloquialism for an insect whose mere name induces squirms: the cockroach. A common question is, “Are water bugs roaches?” and the answer is yes—there is no difference between water bugs and roaches. According to Matt Smith, owner and licensed professional pest control technician at Green Pest Management, located in Wilmington, Delaware, “Water bugs are commonly called palmetto bugs and even more commonly called cockroaches. Some of the most commonly found would be American and German roaches.” The water bugs vs. cockroaches terminology typically depends on a region’s dialect.
There are actual water bugs—bugs that live in or on water. These true water bugs include insects of the infraorder Nepomorpha, some of which can grow to almost 5 inches in length. But these are not the same as the insects commonly seen scurrying under the fridge when a kitchen light comes on.
Standard-issue household cockroaches earned the nickname “water bug” for their tendency to cluster near water sources. This predilection is entirely understandable: A cockroach can live for a month without food, but it can’t last more than a week without water.
While roaches generally prefer to live outside, they are—much to the annoyance of people everywhere—attracted to damp indoor environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Fortunately, a few key extermination practices and a few lifestyle tweaks might help homeowners in the quest for how to get rid of water bugs for good.
Time required: 1 to 3 days Difficulty: Beginner Tools & Materials Vacuum Caulk Rug cleaner Concrete sealant Pesticide Traps See full list « Gloves Mask Food storage containers with lids White vinegar Sugar Baking soda Borax or boric acid Essential oils Dehumidifier (optional) We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
There are many bugs that look like cockroaches, so before homeowners start to research how to get rid of water bugs, it’s a good idea to make sure that the pest appearing is actually a member of the cockroach family. “Sometimes it can get really difficult to identify the bug, especially after it gets smashed,” says Smith. “Beetles have similar characteristics and get confused with cockroaches. Beetles look a bit more bulky—like they have armor on.” A quick search online or in a state university’s insect database of “what do water bugs look like” is a great way to avoid a case of mistaken identity. For example, the University of Minnesota Extension lists several identifying features for cockroaches, including a body that is wide and flat, long antennae, spiky legs, and wings. Do water bugs fly? While some types of water bugs have the ability to fly, other varieties, such as black water bugs (also called oriental cockroaches), do not.
Water bugs in a house probably got there from the outdoors, so it’s worth searching for nests and likely entry points into the home. So where do water bugs come from? Gaps around windows, doors, and pipes that penetrate the home’s exterior as well as cracks in concrete floors and walls are all good places to check. If it seems like there are suddenly many cockroaches in the home when previously there were none, the insects could have been brought in accidentally in a package or on secondhand furniture. It’s a good idea for a homeowner to thoroughly check items that could be housing cockroaches before bringing them into the home.
Nests can often be found in parts of the home that are close to a water source such as kitchens and bathrooms. Basements can also be likely candidates for these bugs as they are prone to moisture issues. It may be necessary for the homeowner to poke around in those dark corners of the house that are rarely cleaned and perhaps used only for long-term storage. If no nests are turning up, residents can search in rooms that have been dark for a few hours by turning on the lights, which will cause any water bugs that are present to scatter. This will provide an opportunity for the homeowner to watch where the bugs retreat to, and that will be the best place to target removal efforts.
After determining where the water bugs are, homeowners researching how to kill water bugs will find that they have several options. Effective roach pesticidal treatments run the gamut from otherwise innocuous natural products to hard-core chemicals. Chemicals work by exploiting roaches’ natural habits. Interestingly, although cockroaches are typically associated with filth and disease, these insects groom themselves constantly. If a water bug makes contact with a pesticide, whether natural or synthetic, the insect will consume it while cleaning itself.
For those who prefer not to use pesticides, trapping and exclusion can also be effective. Homeowners can choose the method (or combination of methods) that is best suited to their budget, comfort level, and the extent of the infestation.
According to Smith, “If you decide to [get rid of water bugs] on your own, be consistent and very proactive with your treatments … Some products are a delayed kill so you won’t see the problem dissipate immediately.” For those who don’t feel up to the task of keeping up with treatments, it may be worth it to hire one of the best pest control companies, such as Orkin or Terminix, to tackle the infestation.
The goal of exclusion is to eliminate any opportunities for water bugs to enter or make their nests in the home. If any nests are found, the area will need to be cleared and blocked off so that even small water bugs cannot move back in. Any egg cases that are found will also need to be removed. Once this has been accomplished, homeowners can use caulk to seal off any cracks or gaps in the home’s exterior where water bugs may be entering. If this is not sufficient, a few additional practices may be necessary, such as:
Natural pest killers can be a good solution for getting rid of cockroaches in kitchen cabinets since they are not toxic and won’t contaminate food. These include concentrated distilled white vinegar; a mix of equal parts sugar and baking soda; borax and boric acid, which destroy the insects’ digestive tract; and essential oils like citronella.
Liquid products—usually labeled “eco” or “green”—can be applied to the nests and to all drains (tub, toilet, laundry room, and dishwasher) using a spray bottle.
To apply powders, the homeowner will want to sprinkle the granules on (and near) nests and access sites. It’s a good idea to use only a thin dusting, because these wily insects avoid large clumps.
Each type of treatment features an active ingredient that targets insects’ nervous systems to kill them. It’s important for the user to read and carefully follow the directions provided with any such product, because the ingredients may be toxic to people and indoor pets as well as roaches. Chemical treatments may be marketed in the following forms:
Sticky traps for water bugs can usually be purchased at hardware or garden stores. According to the University of California’s Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, putting out traps can help homeowners monitor the extent of their water bug infestation. Traps can be placed wherever signs of bugs have been spotted. Homeowners will need to check the traps at least once per day, replacing them as needed. Keeping a record of where water bugs are being trapped and how often can provide homeowners with valuable information about cockroach activity as well as whether the problem is improving.
After completing one of these methods of extermination, it’s wise for the homeowner to take steps to prevent future infestations. Obviously, it’s a good idea to use caulk to seal all gaps and cracks that invite roach infiltration—but that’s just the beginning.
The surest way to keep water bugs at bay is to make sure that roaches have no reason to enter the home, and nowhere to hide should they get in. It’s possible to reduce the risk of attracting water bugs by incorporating these practices as part of a daily routine:
It takes commitment and vigilance to keep water bugs from staging a counterattack, but it’s worth the effort to purge the home of this creepiest of all crawlies.
Water is at the top of the list of what attracts water bugs, so it makes sense that removing water sources around the home where possible can discourage them from invading the home. Homeowners will want to fix leaky interior and exterior faucets and repair basement walls where water is seeping in. It’s also important that they deal with any humidity issues within the home by purchasing a dehumidifier, running exhaust fans, and turning up the air conditioning when it feels humid inside. Dealing with excess water and humidity will not only guard against water bug infestations but will also make the home less attractive to other pests and protect against water damage.
Pest control is a complex task that isn’t always easy for homeowners to tackle on their own. Water bugs in particular are notorious for being difficult to get rid of, and they also are not completely harmless. Do water bugs bite? Potentially—and they can spread disease if they do bite. If homeowners feel intimidated by this problem or it seems like DIY methods are not doing the trick, bringing in a professional with the right knowledge and tools can provide the extra push needed to eliminate the problem for good.
“When roaches have got into an area, they multiply very quickly,” Smith explains. “If you haven’t seen any sort of improvement from DIY methods in the first week or two, I would call a professional. The longer they have been established, the harder it is to get them out.”
Finding water bugs in the home can be startling, but this does not have to be a permanent problem. Identifying where water bugs are nesting, putting down chemicals or traps, sealing up entry points, and staying on top of prevention has worked for scores of homeowners in the past. But if all else fails, or the problem feels overwhelming, one of the best cockroach exterminators will know how to keep water bugs away for good.
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