In this post, we narrow down the similarities and differences between water bugs and cockroaches.
Although confused with one another, they have different identifiers.
But both need to be addressed when you suspect infestation in your home.
So, without further ado, read on.
Related:Cockroach Infestation- Signs, Health Impact, Treatment, and More…
In this article
What is a water bug?
There are hundreds of water bug species but the most popular would be water spiders and the water scorpions.
Water bugs are also known as alligator ticks in the south.
This insect resembles American and oriental cockroaches the most.
Like cockroaches, water bugs can bite and may leave painful bites when disturbed.
Related:10 Bugs that look like bed bugs but arent
Where do water bugs live?
They also live in below ground level fixtures such as in sewers, pipes, and more.
During winter and fall, they find ways to migrate indoors because they die at low temperatures.
Related:Bugs that look like termites
What causes water bugs in your house?
The following are the most common causes as to why water bugs are in your house.
In terms of behavior, water bugs and roaches are both nocturnal.
You would be surprised to know that this is where all the similarities end for cockroaches and water bugs.
Here are some of the most notable differences between these two insects.
1.Size
Water bugs tend to grow bigger than roaches.
Water bugs can have a size of 2-4-inches while roaches stop at 1.5-inches.
If you find a prominent reddish tint in the body, that would most likely be a cockroach.
As for the antennae, both sport a pair but water bug antennae are shorter.
For the wings, some roaches have wings while others do not.
In contrast, water bugs have an X-shaped pair of wings.
Furthermore, roaches do not have clawed legs compared to water bugs.
The latter also have sharper proboscis, made for liquefying their prey and roaches do not have one.
On the other hand, water bugs could swim like maggots.
This is understandable since they are aquatic insects.
6.Eating habits
Roaches eat by scavenging while water bugs eat by preying on smaller insects.
In contrast, water bugs feed on small fishes, bugs, crustaceans, snails, and tadpoles.
8.Temperament
Roaches are shy.
They are most likely to run away fast in the presence of humans.
They are also mostly found in more limited routes.
9.Droppings
Both shed molts and casings but water bug casings are easier to find than roaches.
On the other hand, water bugs are most active at night during summer and fall.
Pest determination
Without a doubt, cockroaches are considered as pests, specifically high hazard pests.
As such, here are some FAQs about water bugs that you should be aware of.
Do water bugs crawl on beds?
They are very rarely indoors so it would also be rare to find waterbugs in bed.
Even then, this would not cause them to bite the sleeping person.
Related:Bugs That Look Like Fleas But Arent
Are water bugs bad?
Note that they prey on smaller pests and insects, which in themselves are also infesting your home.
What do water bugs do?
When it comes to water bug behavior and their effects, these insects are not different from roaches.
Water bugs are hard to kill, and they are prolific breeders.
Their molts for one, can cause allergic reactions to humans and may induce asthma attacks.
Apart from these, they can also bring in bacteria and spread them around the home.
As such, food can be contaminated, causing stomach aches and other diseases.
With these, it is recommended that a homeowner do something to address the problem.
Starting with consulting a professional pest control company would help.
Related:I Saw One Cockroach.
Should I Be Worried?
Can water bugs come up through toilets?
Fortunately, no, even if they have water on them.
This is something that they share with roaches too.
Do water bugs play dead?
They do this survival method of theirs by excreting a fluid through their anus.
This makes them freeze on the spot.
After the threat is gone, they come alive and become aggressive.
This special venom of theirs is also the reason why they have more painful bites compared to roaches.
Do water bugs get attracted to light?
Yes, especially during mating season.
This is the reason why they are also sometimes called the electric light bug.
Where are water bugs during the day?
Because they have this travelling ability, they are more likely to build nests in different locations at once.
Do water bugs bite?
Yes, but rarely among humans.
How do I get rid of water bug infestation?
Here are some of the most common methods in getting rid of water bugs in the home.
Here are some tips to take in making sure that future water bug infestation is prevented.
What are the best essential oils to kill water bugs?
How do you kill water bugs in swimming pools?
Because they are naturally drawn to light, they would naturally swarm in that area.
With the thick mantle of liquid dish soap there, they cannot swim through and would eventually drown.
All that is left is to scoop them out after.
What smell do water bugs hate?
All strong, overwhelming smells are pungent for water bugs.
But of all these imposing odors, it is said that water bugs particularly avoid the scent of peppermint.
What time of the year do water bugs come out?
As has been mentioned here, water bugs love summer.
They love moist and high humidity.
As a matter of fact, they thrive and become very prolific breeders at 70-85F.
During fall and winter, rates of home infestation become high.
The reason for this is that the damp, moist spaces in your home have their humidity range.
On the field, they die off at 15F and below.
Are water bugs all cannibals?
Only the giant water bugs are known to show cannibalistic tendencies at maturity.
The good thing is that this species of water bugs would never slide in your home, ever.
Are water bugs considered beneficial?
But once they find the comfort of your home, they could be pesky and hard to kill.
As such, best manage their litter while their numbers are still manageable.
With these new found information, terminating them due to a suspected infestation should be easier now too.
