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How to Get Rid of Water Bugs? 8 Effective Homes Remedies

how to get rid of water bugs

Water bugs. Gross, right? Water bugs can be an unpleasant pest that is likely at your home to make you panic or be scared. Some mistake them for ordinary cockroaches.

If you're struggling to get rid of water bugs, palmetto bugs, or cockroaches don't worry - you're not alone.

There are plenty of tips and tricks out there that can help you exterminate them for good.

In this blog post, we'll discuss eight ways how to get rid of water bugs using home remedies.

Keep reading to learn more!

What Are Water Bugs?

water bugs

The water bug is a bug that looks like a cockroach and isn't technically part of the roach family. A water bug, by definition, they are aquatic insects that dwell in the water.

True water bugs (Nepomorpha), such as goliath water bugs, creeping water bugs, and backswimmers.

Water bugs can stay submerged for a lengthy amount of time without coming up to the surface. If grabbed, they will try to bite for protection.

Although they are generally inactive indoors and aren't known to scavenge like roaches, they are a non-issue as they seldom enter homes.

What Do Water Bugs Look Like?

Water bug populations are fairly massive according to bug statistics. The sleeves are 1.5 inches or four inches in diameter,” They are actual water bugs big insects”.

Water bugs body has oval shapes but they do appear as large pincher in the abdomen. The girth is flattened and has cilia hairs to propel their bodies around the waters.

Read Also: Bugs That Look Like Cockroaches

What Do Water Bugs Eat?

Giant water bugs are predators of many different types of aquatic creatures, such as tadpoles, small fishes, insects, and other arthropods.

Some of these predators are known to kill prey many times their own size. Grasping victims by their “raptorial” front legs, they inject venomous digestive saliva into their bodies.

Sign of a Water Bug Infestation

There are several signs of water bug infestation and whether they have infested your home or not.

Some early signs of an infestation are:

Egg Casings

The number of eggs contained in each egg casing ranges from 16 to 50, although some can contain more and others can contain fewer.

Egg casings also called ootheca, are about 8 to 10 mm long. They can be dark brown or burnt red.

A Strong Foul Odor

As stated before, a serious infestation is often first indicated by a pungent, musty smell.

Oriental cockroaches produce this odor to communicate with other roaches, and people can detect it very easily.

If you notice an oily, musky smell and have found egg casings or adult water bugs, there is a possibility that you have large water bug infestations in your home.

Seeing a Water bug

The most active period for water bugs is generally at night. It isn't uncommon to see these insects outside scurrying about after dark in areas where they are common.

Water bugs are common visitors in people's homes. They like hiding under mulch or stones in landscaping, according to many customers.

If you have noticed any of these signs in your home, it is important to take action immediately to prevent the infestation from spreading.

How to Find A Water Bug Nest?

water bug nesting

To find a water bug nest, look for an area of still water that is close to a food source.

Water bugs are attracted to areas where there is a lot of organic matter, so look for them near ponds, lakes, or streams.

Once you have found a potential nesting site, watch the water bugs to see if they are coming and going from the same area. If they are, that is likely their nest.

How To Treat A Water Bug Bite

Apply a cloth soaked in cold water or ice wrapped in a towel to the bug bite area for about 10 to 20 minutes.

This will help to reduce swelling and pain. If you are allergic to insect bites, you may experience more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hives, or dizziness.

In this case, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

How To Get Rid of Giant Water bugs in House Naturally?

If you've ever had the misfortune of coming across a giant water bug, also known as a toe-biter, you know that these critters are not only enormous but also very scary-looking.

There are a few things you can do to get rid of giant water bugs in your house naturally.

Diatomaceous Earth

Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a powder made from the fossilized remains of algae and other aquatic creatures.

When sprinkled around your home, it acts like a barrier that roaches and other pests can't cross. Plus, this pest control method is completely safe to use around humans and pets.

Block Roaches Entrance Points

One way to keep roaches out of your home is to block their point of entry. Look for cracks and crevices around your doors and windows and seal them up with caulk or weather stripping.

You should also make sure that your screens are in good repair and that there are no holes larger than 1/4 inch.

Baking Soda

baking soda

Baking soda is another effective roach repellent. To use it, simply sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda around the perimeter of your room or wherever you've seen roaches.

You can also put it in small dishes and place them underneath your sink or in other places where roaches like to hide. Just be sure to replace the baking soda every few days.

Use Boric Acid as Bait

Boric acid

 

Boric acid is a common ingredient in many roach traps, but it can also be used as bait. To do this, mix equal parts of boric acid and sugar as bug spray and place them in a shallow dish.

The sugar will attract the roaches while the boric acid will kill them. Just be sure to keep this mixture away from children and pets.

Eliminate Indoor Damp Areas

Giant water bugs are attracted to damp areas, eliminate damp areas can help keep them away.

Use a dehumidifier in damp rooms like the basement or laundry room.

You should also fix any leaks in your plumbing and keep an eye out for condensation on windows and walls.

Essential Oils

Essential Oils

Another way to naturally get rid of giant water bugs is by using essential oils. Oils like lavender, peppermint, and citrus are all known to repel insects.

Simply mix together a few drops of oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz it around your home.

You can also put some oil on a cotton ball and place it near areas where you've seen the bugs.

Liquid detergent

liquid detergents

The best type to use is an antibacterial liquid detergent. Not only does it work well on water bugs, but it's easy to apply and effective in general.

To use, simply mix with water and pour or spray on cockroaches and their nests. This will disinfect the area and cause the cockroaches to shed their outer shells.

How to Use Pesticides to Get Rid of Waterbugs

To use pesticides to eliminate water bugs, start by mixing the recommended amount of pesticide with water in a pump sprayer and use it to kill bugs.

Next, go around your home and look for places where water bugs might be hiding, such as in cracks and crevices or near sources of food and water.

When you find an area that looks promising, spray the pesticide directly onto the water bugs. Be sure to cover all of the insects completely so that they are killed.

Finally, dispose of the dead insects properly so that they do not become a problem for other people or animals.

See Also: 15 Natural Cockroach Repellent Methods: What Works?

How to Get Rid of Water Bugs From Outside Your Home

If you have water bugs outside your home, there are a few things you can do to eliminate them.

  • First, remove any standing water from around your home. This includes any puddles, pools, or other sources of water.
  • Next, seal any cracks, entry points, or holes in your foundation or walls to prevent bugs from entering your home.
  • Finally, use a bug spray or other insecticide to kill any remaining water bugs.

How to Get Rid of Water Bugs From Your Pool

If you have water bugs in your pool, there are a few things you can do to eliminate them.

  • First, you can try skimming them off the surface of the water with a net. You can also add a pool cleaner that will help to remove them from the water.
  • Finally, you can ask your local pool supply store for advice on how to get rid of water bugs from your pool.

How to Get Rid of Water Bugs From Your Garbage

Waterbugs are attracted to garbage because it provides them with a food source. To get rid of water bugs from your garbage, you need to remove their food source.

This can be done by cleaning up spills and sealing up food in containers. You also need to keep your garbage can clean and free of debris.

How to Kill Water Bugs

There are a few ways to kill water bugs, and the most effective method will depend on the severity of the infestation.

  • For small infestations, a combination of soapy water and vinegar can be used to kill the bugs.
  • For larger infestations, insecticide sprays or powder can be used.

It is important to follow the directions on the product label carefully to avoid harming people or pets.

Do You Have a Giant Water Bug? Hire a Pest Control Professional

If you have a giant water bug infestation, it is best to hire a pest control professional.

They will be able to identify the source of the problem and get rid of the bugs quickly and efficiently.

They will also be able to prevent them from coming back in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get rid of water bugs fast?

There are a few ways to get rid of water bugs fast. One is to use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to suck them up. Another is to pour boiling water over them.

How to Get Rid Of Waterbugs in Drains?

To eliminate water bugs in drains, you can use a plunger to try and clear the blockage. You can also pour bleach down the drain.

How to Get Rid Of Waterbugs in Bathroom?

To eliminate waterbugs in the bathroom, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to suck them up. You can also pour boiling water over them.

Conclusion

Even though water bugs can be a nuisance, there are ways to eliminate them fast. If you have a problem with water bugs, be sure to try one of the methods above.

The longer a water bug lives, the more it can reproduce. A single female water bug can lay up to 50 eggs in her lifetime!

So important to take action to get rid of them as soon as possible. If you have any questions, be sure to ask our pest control professional.

They will be able to help you eliminate your water bug problem for good!

About The Author:

Meet Mark Calhoun, a seasoned pest control expert in the realm our pest control company. With over 10 years of dedicated experience and Managing Editor. His primary mission is to furnish you with precise and invaluable DIY insights, ensuring your home remains pest-free while aiding you in distinguishing various household pests.
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