Water bugs are aquatic insects that are notorious for their painful bites and large size, making them one of the scarier insects you may find in your home. Many people confuse water bugs with cockroaches (also known as palmetto bugs), but these are distinctly different insects. In this article, I’ll show you how to identify a water bug, explain how to get rid of an infestation, and leave you with tips to prevent water bugs from entering your home in the future.
What Is a Water Bug?
A water bug is an aquatic insect classified under the order Hemiptera, but the most common species of water bug is the giant water bug, also known as the electric light bug or alligator tick. Other types of true water bugs include water boatmen, water scorpions, water striders, pond skaters, and water spiders. Most people confuse water bugs with common types of cockroaches, specifically the American cockroach and the Oriental cockroach, because of their similar appearance.
What Does a Water Bug Look Like?
Although many people confuse certain species of cockroaches for water bugs, they do have slight differences in appearance. A water bug is a flat, oval-shaped creature that’s typically black, tan, or dark brown. Most water bug species are relatively large and are at least two to four inches long. Water bugs have legs that help them paddle through the water and stay afloat and wings that help them fly. They also have clawed front feet, a piercing mouth, and a pointed beak to capture prey.
Water Bug vs. Cockroach: Similarities
Water bugs and roaches may be totally different types of insects, but they do have some similarities that could contribute to them being confused. Both insects are attracted to moisture, and although water bugs often prefer to submerge themselves in water, you can find roaches and water bugs in similar environments.
Also, roaches and water bugs tend to be similar in color, which could lead people to believe that they’re the same insect. Both have oval-shaped bodies, which can also make them easy to get confused about. Many times, people assume water bugs are just big cockroaches, but they’re totally different bugs.
Both water bugs and cockroaches have antennae, but cockroaches typically have long antennae, while water bugs have shorter antennae.
Water Bug vs. Cockroach: Differences
While water bugs and cockroaches are moderately similar in appearance, there are a few dead giveaways. For starters, all water bugs have wings, and some cockroaches don’t. Some cockroaches can fly, but the ones that do have wings are typically not very good fliers. Second, as seen in the images above, many water bugs have spider-like legs, which can help differentiate between them and roaches.
Water bugs are also bigger than most roaches, averaging anywhere from two to four inches long. Another difference is their color, although slight, as water bugs are lighter and more neutral-colored than cockroaches, and cockroaches tend to be a shade of reddish brown. Lastly, water bugs will often submerge themselves in water, while cockroaches prefer to live near a water source, not in it.
Where Do Water Bugs Live?
Water bugs mainly live in water, but they also live around all kinds of water sources, like pools and ponds, and in trash cans, sewers, basements, and other damp areas at or below ground level. While water bugs typically live outside, they migrate indoors for warmth when the temperature drops. They can enter your home through cracks and holes in your walls and foundation. Contrastingly, cockroaches are attracted to moisture and food sources, primarily driving them to kitchens and bathrooms in homes.
What Do Water Bugs Eat?
Unlike cockroaches, which eat just about anything and everything, water bugs prey on insects, small fish, and other small animals. They inject a powerful enzyme that liquefies the insides of their prey to make feeding easier.
Can Water Bugs Bite?
Water bugs can bite humans, but only if provoked or if their habitat is disturbed. Their bites can be painful but seldom harbor an allergic reaction. In fact, many people call water bugs “toe biters.” Common symptoms of a water bug bite include:
- Itching
- Red bumps
- Mild burning sensation
- Pulsating pain
How To Treat Water Bug Bites
If you’ve been bitten by a water bug, treat the bite by following these steps:
- Wash the affected area with warm water and soap.
- Make a homemade paste of one part water and one part baking soda and apply it to the bite area. Leave the paste on for an hour and then rinse it off with cold water.
- If experiencing itchiness, dip a cotton ball in lemon juice and gently dab it on the bite. You may also apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and inflammation. Be sure to read and follow all instructions on any over-the-counter prescription cream or gel.
- Use aloe vera gel or an ice pack to reduce swelling and alleviate redness.
How To Get Rid of a Water Bug Infestation
Because water bugs can spread quickly and survive for up to two weeks without water, it’s best to get rid of them as quickly as possible. Here are some methods of getting rid of waterbugs.
- Use borax or boric acid — These natural elements will destroy a water bug’s digestive tract, killing it from the inside out. Sprinkle a thin dusting of borax or boric acid in your basement, under sinks, and in other areas where you’ve seen water bugs. Since boric acid and borax can be toxic if ingested, be sure to keep them away from food prep areas, children, and pets.
- 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. Spray areas where you’ve seen water bugs, in addition to all sink and tub drains around your home.
- Make a homemade vinegar spray — Mix one part vinegar and one part water and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Use this solution twice a day and spray areas where you’ve seen water bugs.
- Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth—Diatomaceous earth can be used in the home and around your garden to get rid of water bugs. This substance is an effective insecticide as it has a direct impact on the water bug’s outer shell and destroys the protective covering.
- Create a homemade alcohol solution — Alcohol will dry out water bugs and the moist environment they hide in. Dilute a cup of alcohol with water and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Target areas where you’ve seen water bugs frequently.
- Use an algaecide in your pool — Algaecide can remove the food supply for water bugs. First, use pool-shocking chemicals to shock your pool. Then, use the Algaecide, following the instructions on the packet, and vacuum the pool with a pool vacuum cleaner. Repeat as often as necessary.
- Call in a professional exterminator to eliminate the problem — To make sure you’ve successfully removed all water bugs from your house, hire a pest control professional. You’ll likely have the option of choosing between natural and chemical methods to eradicate the water bug infestation. This is the most effective method to handle a water bug or cockroach infestation.
How To Prevent a Water Bug Infestation
After getting rid of the water bugs in your home, take preventative steps to stop more from invading your property.
- Deep clean your house: make sure there are no areas with standing water, clean behind furniture, and disinfect your kitchen and bathrooms.
- Seal any cracks or holes in your home’s exterior with caulk.
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets since water bugs are attracted to water.
- Keep food stored in airtight containers to prevent attracting water bugs to your home.
Final Thoughts
Water bugs and cockroaches have plenty of similarities, but at the end of the day, they’re very different insects. However, your homes aren’t immune to infestations from any common house bugs, even water bugs and cockroaches. Be sure to take preventative measures to make sure you don’t get overrun with these bugs, and when in doubt, call a pest control specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, a water bug or a cockroach?
Water bugs are usually bigger than cockroaches, averaging around two to four inches long. In contrast, most cockroaches are between one and two inches long.
Do water bugs and cockroaches fly?
All water bugs have wings are use them to fly and swim. However, not all cockroaches have wings, and the ones that do rarely fly.
Are water bugs and cockroaches dangerous to humans?
Water bugs can bite, which can be painful, but not especially dangerous to humans. However, cockroaches can be dangerous and have more of a reputation for carrying allergens and diseases like dysentery, diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever.
Do water bugs live indoors like cockroaches?
Water bugs typically live outdoors near bodies of water like ponds, lakes, pools, and sewers. However, they can travel indoors if the weather gets cold.
