How to Get Rid of Water Bugs: A Complete Guide

Water bugs are common pests in most households in the United States, particularly in damp homes. Whether you have ever seen it darting across your bathroom floor or you have suffered a serious invasion of waterbugs, it’s good to know what a water bug is, Where do water bugs come from, and How to get rid of water bugs, all of which require living in a clean and healthy environment. Here, we will provide you with a complete guide on water bug-related issues as well as the necessary steps to get rid of them.

What Is a Water Bug?

The question giving rise to confusion is as to what species of insect the water bug is. When the term “water bug” is used, it is often believed that it is about cockroaches, however, the fact should be established whether what is a water bug is clear. Real water bugs come from Hemiptera and are water insects, for example, giant water bugs (Belostomatidae) or water boatmen. The appearance of such insects is oval and flat. They are extremely good at adapting to water life, for which they use their legs as paddles just as humans do. These swimming insects, namely, are raptorial, which makes them predatory, and the primary source of their food is other aquatic organisms. Furthermore, they are capable of biting (in force).

Still, in many households in the USA, when people mention the same question, what is a water bug, they usually mean the oriental cockroach, Blatta orientalis. These are not water bugs but pests that are a nuisance in homes, especially in the dark and humid areas. The pests are about one inch in length and come in the form of shiny, dark brown, or black. Furthermore, they are often discovered in cellars, crevices, and bathrooms.

Where Do Water Bugs Come From?

Knowledge of water bugs’ populations is of great importance in understanding the prevention of water bug invasions. The water bug, mainly oriental roaches, gets into the house in different ways, such as:

• Carried in on food packages or laundry
• Crawling under doorways or through air ducts
• Scaling water pipes or entering through cracks in foundations

They were insects that loved dark and moist places and scraps. Places with high humidity, such as basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and even around leaking pipes or garbage chutes, will also have water bugs in them. In the open, they live in mulch beds, under leaves, and near structures where moisture accumulates.

How to get rid of water bugs

If you want to know about how to get rid of water bugs, don’t worry, you’re not the only one. If you adopt an effective strategy, you can eliminate the pests and get your home back. This is an effective water bug removal guide:

Eliminate Moisture

If there is a leak problem in your home or in your property, make sure to repair it as soon as possible because wet places attract water bug problems. Use dehumidifiers in the basement to keep your place dry.

Seal Entry Points

You should scout the exterior of the dwelling place and seal up the cracks, cracks around the door and windows with caulk. This is an important action in preventing new water bugs from getting into the house.

Maintain Cleanliness

The disposal of garbage frequently and the timely cleaning of the drains are some of the methods people use in the prevention of water bug attraction. Besides that, washing the dishes as soon as they are used is another good habit. Additionally, keep pet food in the open overnight.

Trim Vegetation

Distance the plants and shrubs from your home foundation through regular trimming to reduce moisture and elimination of water bugs hiding.

Use Natural Remedies

Borax and boric acid can be spread in the areas where the water bugs can be seen, but they need to be kept away from children and pets. Also, citronella or peppermint are another way you can use essential oils to keep water bugs away simply by mixing with water and then spraying in the actionable areas.

Apply Chemical Treatments

Cockroach baits and insecticides if placed near water bug hiding spots can be effective, in particular. Also, always heed label instructions and contact a professional if the situation is serious.

Professional Help

Your tasks may not be enough for the issue to vanish, so it might be wise to get in touch with a pest control professional. Firstly, they utilize more powerful treatments and on the other hand, hunt down the nest of the infestation, thus, eliminating the root of the problem.

Conclusion

Water bugs can be annoying, but if you know what’s a water bug, where do water bugs come from, and how to get rid of water bugs, you can prevent your house and family from them. Through maintenance, controlling the moisture, and sealing the entry points, these are your best lines of defense. And if you still have problems with water bug infestations, do not hesitate to call the exterminators in order to utilize effective and long-term solutions.

Bear in mind that when you know how to get rid of water bugs and act in a timely manner your living environment will be clean and free of pests. If you are faced with a few rogue bugs or an infestation, these measures guarantee you are going to be prepared when it comes to any water bug disaster.