Although most waterbugs are not actual pests and do not carry diseases, having them about the house is not pleasant.
Most homeowners use a common name for an insect of this type that causes a few squirms: the cockroach.
You can find real water bugs that dwell in or near water. Among the real water bugs are Nepomorpha, which may grow to about 5 inches. A cockroach can go a month without food but only a week without water.
While roaches ( or palmetto bugs) generally prefer the outdoors, they are drawn to wet indoor areas, like kitchens and toilets.
Fortunately, it isn’t hard to implement a few extermination techniques and lifestyle changes to permanently get rid of waterbugs.
In our guide, you can learn more about how to find a water bug nest and deal with outdoor roaches and a house water bug infestation.
In the end, you’ll be able to answer any frequently asked questions with your new pest control knowledge. (Learn How To Get Rid Of Roaches Without An Exterminator)
What Kills Water Bugs Instantly?
A waterbug can be killed in a variety of ways. If you locate them in high numbers, though, they may be tough to eliminate.
It is vital to seek the help of a pest control professional in this situation.
Here are a few small-scale methods for killing water bugs:
Boric Acid:
Boric acid is a highly effective pesticide that kills water bugs. This product is usually a powder you can sprinkle in locations close to standing water where you have water bug infestations.
The compounds in boric acid reach the water bugs’ digestive system and poison them. (Learn How To Get Rid Of Rats In Yard Without Harming Pets)
Synthetic Pesticides:
Synthetic pesticides can kill waterbugs and come as a spray or powder that contains powerful insecticide chemicals.
Water Bug Spray
Water Bug Sprays, purchased online and at other stores, are probably the most widely used therapy for killing water bugs and other pests.
The chemicals sprayed on the water bugs or their nests are ingested by the water bugs, causing neurotransmitter damage. After a brief period of exposure, you see that the bugs die.
Water Bug Trap
Water bug traps or baits are a simple approach to kill water bugs and the water bug colony.
When a bug comes into contact with a bait containing attractors, it returns to the nest, where it consumes the bait particles and kills many water bugs.
If you have such bait inside your home, don’t leave food out, and keep the bait clear of other food sources, such as pet food, so the bait is the sole food source for the water bugs. (Learn How To Get Rid Of Prairie Dogs)
Natural Methods
You can also try your hand at killing water bugs with items you already have at home. Baking soda, alcohol, and detergents are examples. To kill water bugs or their nests, pour any of these on them.
- Baking soda: Baking soda is commonly used to kill bugs because it absorbs moisture and dehydrates water bugs completely when they walk over it.
- Baking soda and powdered sugar: For a natural approach to pest control, sprinkle equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar in the target area.
How Do You Keep Water Bugs Away?
Water bugs can be difficult to eradicate from home altogether, and a serious infestation can quickly develop. As a result, it’s preferable to avoid infestations in the first place.
If you find water bugs in your home, take all necessary actions to get rid of them and block their entry points.
Get Rid Of Standing Water
To get rid of a giant water bug infestation, the single most important preventive action is to get rid of the water itself. To avoid water bug infestation, remove all standing water sources or clean the ones already there.
Water pipes leaking need to be repaired, and you need to eliminate damp areas. Water bugs enjoy damp habitats, so keep that in mind.
Improve Ventilation
Water bugs do not stay outdoors; they invade homes if the environment is damp. To reduce humidity, open the windows, and improve ventilation, especially in dark areas around your house where roaches are found.
Seal Food Containers
Unless firmly sealed with air-tight containers, food leftovers are an invitation to water bugs. Clean up when you finish eating and replace the garbage bag regularly. If you leave food out overnight, water bugs will have an easier time finding their preferred spot in your house.
Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home for cracks, holes, and fissures, then fill them with steel wool, cement, or other comparable materials. Inspect windows and doors for flaws or openings that water bugs could enter.
Large insects and roaches can crawl through the smallest of cracks in walls or around pipes leading into your home.
Instead of killing water bugs, use a range of gentle approaches to get rid of them.
Assisting in the killing of all water bugs becomes challenging. Bug repellent spray dulls the bug’s sense of smell, making it unattractive.
Water bugs are more likely to depart treated regions in search of more lucrative environments.
Vinegar is a widely used natural insect repellant. It may be a solid deterrent to water bug infestations.
Half-fill a spray bottle with high-concentration vinegar. It should be sprayed everywhere, including the water bugs’ nests.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth, formed from fossilized diatoms, is an alternative to boric acid for pest control. The food-grade powder, not the pool-grade powder, is required. It’s safe to use foodgrade diatomaceous earth around pets and humans, so long as pets don’t swallow it in vast quantities.
By mixing a thin layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth with powdered sugar, you can use it the same way as boric acid.
Spread it where you find bug debris or around where you have your garbage, so cockroaches reach this bait before searching your trash cans.
Pests such as water bugs and cockroaches are not killed immediately by diatomaceous earth. The powder will gradually kill the exposed bugs by weakening their protective covering, causing them to dehydrate.
Once you’ve applied the food-grade diatomaceous earth traps around the house, your work isn’t done. After a few days, make sure you reapply the powder because it can become useless, especially if it becomes wet and the roaches and bugs could survive. (Learn How To Get Rid Of A Skunk In Your Yard)
What Are Water Bugs Caused By?
Before you can figure out how to get rid of waterbugs, you must first recognize the aquatic insects. This is the first step in removing them, so start understanding which is a true water bug.
The word “waterbug” or “water bug” refers to any of the following bug species that dwell in or near water:
- Giant water bugs (Family Belostomatidae)
- True Water Bugs (Nepomorpha)
- Backswimmers (Notonectidae)
- Creeping water bugs (Naucoridae)
However, the term water bug is misused and includes cockroaches:
- German cockroach
- American cockroach
- Oriental cockroach
Giant water bugs or Lethocerus americanus is the scientific name for water bugs. They are freshwater hemipteran insects that belong to the Belostomatidae family.
- Body Size: Water bugs are 1.5 to 2 inches long
- Body Shape: A water bug’s body is divided into three sections: the head, thorax, and abdomen. Their body is flat and oval-shaped, and they resemble a boat. Adult water bugs cannot breathe underwater; thus, they have a short breathing tube retracted into their abdomen. The tube works similarly to a snorkel.
- Legs: Six legs make up a giant water bug. When the water bugs get their hands on other insects and inject a potent toxin to kill other insects as the prey becomes paralyzed, and its body liquefies. The pests’ two hind legs are fringed and serve as oars or paddles to keep it afloat.
- Eyes: Most water bugs have two eyes and short antennae behind the eyes.
- Color: Water bugs have a large body; the insect’s color is brown or grayish.
- Habitat: Cockroaches and water bugs can both thrive in water, although cockroaches prefer dry land. Water bugs like hot, humid weather and spend most of their time in the water.
- Food And Feeding: Cockroaches are omnivorous scavengers who don’t mind devouring anything. They eat any leftovers that are available to them. Water bugs use a toxin to immobilize their victim.
- Behavior: If a water bug feels threatened, it will bite you. Cockroaches are typically shy and avoid bright lights and other species. They also don’t bite.
Water Bug Insects In Your House
Droppings: Wherever they inhabit, water bugs frequently deposit egg casings and droppings. The presence of black pellets and discarded shells in your home could show where you need to get rid of waterbugs.
Humidity: Water bugs prefer to stay outside, but inadequate ventilation causes humidity and dampness, which they enjoy.
Leaky pipes: Water bugs thrive in standing water because they favor damp, moist environments. If you’ve been putting off fixing leaking pipes for a while, there’s a good chance you’ll uncover bugs hidden there.
Water Bug In Pool
Standing water attracts water bugs, and pools are ideal breeding grounds for them. Not that you shouldn’t enjoy the pleasure of a pool!
If your pool has water bugs, there’s a good possibility of algae in the water or on the pump fixtures. Most water bugs consume algae, and after they’ve filled their bellies, they’re likely to stay put.
Inspect your pool for algae and tiny eggs. They’ll also litter their surroundings with abandoned shells, egg casings, and droppings. It’s time to clean your pool if you notice tiny black granules in it.
How To Treat A Water Bug Bite
Humans are rarely bothered by water bug bites. But, like any other bug bite, a burning sensation at the sting site should be treated promptly.
Itching, redness, swelling, and discomfort are the most frequent symptoms of bug bites.
The following home remedies can help soothe a water bug bite:
- To minimize swelling, use cold compresses to the stung location.
- Cooking oil or peppermint oil can be used.
- Make a paste using turmeric powder and water and apply it to the bite site.
- Aloe vera gel should be used.
- To minimize swelling and pain, take anti-inflammatory medications.
- Apply a generic insect bite lotion or gel to the affected area.
- However, if the responses become too severe, get medical help right once.
Once you’ve successfully treated a water bug infestation, take the following steps to prevent future infestations.
- Clean kitchens and bathrooms.
- Don’t leave food out.
- Vacuum carpets and floors to get rid of crumbs and debris.
- Take the garbage out daily.
- Ensure good circulation in your home, especially in damp areas.
