Pest and Diseases

How To Get Rid Of Water Bugs In House

Source : instagram

Finding a water bug in your house may be a nightmare. These filthy insects can multiply quickly and become an even greater nuisance in your house.

With the right approach and tools, you can effectively tackle these insects. Whether you're facing a few toe-biters or a full-blown water bug infestation, the key is to act quickly and decisively.

1. Use Baking Soda

For a quick and effective home remedy to tackle water bug infestations, consider reaching for baking soda. Mix equal parts of baking soda and sugar (or a sugar substitute if your roaches are on a diet), then place the mixture in a small dish.

Position these dishes in areas where these bugs love to hang out—think of their favorite dark, damp clubs like under the sink or in the shadowy corners of your basement. It can be a real party crasher for water bugs, often killing them within a day.

2. Opt for Boric Acid



Boric acid is another alternative for dealing with water bugs. Boric acid is also very popular and similar to baking soda, it needs to be mixed with sugar or sugar substances to draw the water bugs to consume the boric acid.

It is best placed in a small dish and at locations similar to baking soda mix. Sprinkle the mixture in areas where you've seen bug activity, such as under sinks, behind appliances, and along baseboards.

3. Use Essential Oils

Source : pexels

Using essential oils can be a pleasant-smelling and natural way to help keep water bugs at bay. We've listed some essential oils that repel these creatures.

These bugs dislike the strong scent of peppermint. Mix 10-15 drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to areas where you've seen them. You can also use Eucalyptus oil, Tea Tree oil or Citrus oil as a substitute to peppermint.

4. Seal the Entry Points

To get rid of bugs, it's crucial to identify their entry points. Inspect for broken pipes under the house or in the basement, or drain pipes that might be providing access for water roaches.

Additionally, cracks in foundations or inadequate weatherstripping can also serve as entryways for these insects. Water bugs often hide in wall voids and empty spaces around decks. 

5. Environmental Control

Start by removing any standing water around your home, these mini lakes are just inviting them, indoors. Fix any leaks and use dehumidifiers to transform your home into a dry, bug-unfriendly desert.

Keep your kitchen spotless and your garbage under tight security, because nothing ruins a good time like a smelly kitchen attracting water bugs. Seal up every crack and crevice to prevent these tiny gatecrashers from sneaking in, and give your yard a good makeover.

6. Clean Up Your House

Source : pexels

Keeping your home clean is the best defense against these bugs and can effectively eliminate them. Water bugs thrive where there's food and water, so a dirty environment is like a five-star hotel for them.

By denying them these resources and maintaining cleanliness, you can significantly reduce their numbers. They can survive for up to three months without food, often hiding in quiet areas like basements, garages, and underused laundry rooms until they venture out at night in search of food.

7. Dry the Place Out

Clogged drains, leaky faucets, and overly humid basements are like exclusive resorts for water bugs. Not only are these moisture havens bad for your home, but they're also irresistible to roaches.

So, it's crucial to tackle these issues head-on. Fix those leaky faucets and drains pronto! And for those damp basements or laundry rooms feeling a bit too steamy, consider inviting a dehumidifier to the party. Keep things dry, and those roaches will have to find a less luxurious hangout.

8. Eliminate Food

Source : pexels

Firstly, seal up that grub! Water bugs are like crumb-seeking missiles, so stash food in airtight containers and clean spills faster than a cat burglar. Along with that seal those cans like a vault and take out the trash.

Roaches can sniff out food waste. Don’t let your pet's kibble become roach cuisine. Store it securely after chow time-roaches aren't just pests; they're culinary opportunists.

9. Eliminate the Hiding Places

The filthy water bugs are drawn to dark and moist environments due to their need for both water and concealment. Areas beneath sinks, around water heaters, and near outdoor vegetation pressed against homes provide ideal conditions for their survival and reproduction.

These pests seek out cracks and crevices as entry points, making it crucial to seal gaps around pipes and cabinets to prevent their infiltration. By maintaining dry conditions and adequate lighting, homeowners can effectively discourage roaches from establishing nests indoors.

10. Use Diatomaceous Earth

Source : instagram

Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is indeed a natural pest control option that works by physically damaging the exoskeletons of oriental cockroaches. DE works through abrasion rather than chemical means.

The microscopic particles have sharp edges that cut through the waxy outer layer of insects, causing them to dehydrate and die. This action is effective against insects but poses no direct harm to mammals or birds. 

11. Try Exclusion Technique

The aim of exclusion is to prevent water bugs from entering or nesting inside the home. If nests are discovered, they should be cleared and sealed to prevent re-entry. Any egg cases found should also be removed.

Afterward, homeowners can use caulk to seal cracks or gaps in the home’s exterior where water bugs might enter. Additional measures might include:

  • Installing door sweeps on all outside doors.
  • Keeping outdoor garbage cans away from the house.
  • Trimming or removing shrubs near the home.
  • Using gravel around the house perimeter as a deterrent.

12. Set Up Baits

Source : facebook

Placing baits is fantastic for tackling this pesky problem and is straightforward to use. Before placing them in kitchens, bathrooms, or other damp spots, ensure you've already removed food sources to maximize their effectiveness.

Gel baits are popular and come in syringes or tubes. Water bugs are attracted to the bait, which contains a slow-acting poison. They then carry it back to their nest, affecting others. Another effective method is using bait stations, which contain poisoned food that attracts roaches. They enter the station, feed on the bait, and then leave, spreading the poison.

13. Keep Your Garden Clean

If you have pests inside your home, improving your garden can seem unrelated. However, pests like water bugs and roaches are attracted to decaying organic matter and moist environments, which can be encouraged by shrubs, plants, and fallen leaves near your home.

Additionally, large shrubs and trees may block vents, leading to moisture buildup and poor airflow. Keeping your garden trimmed and maintained can enhance airflow around your home, helping to prevent mold and dampness ultimately leading to discouragement of water bugs.

14. Use Chemical Treatments

If you are considering chemical treatments as a solution, they can indeed be effective for quickly eliminating water roaches, but for long-term control, they work best when combined with good household maintenance practices.

Chemical treatments are effective for immediate reduction in roach populations. However, to prevent reinfestation, it’s crucial to identify and seal off entry points, keep areas clean and dry (since roaches thrive in damp environments), and eliminate food and water sources that attract them.

15. Set Sticky Traps

Source : facebook

Even if you haven't spotted any water bugs recently, there's always a chance that an egg case could hatch in your home. Sometimes up to years later for certain species. That's why it's crucial to keep an eye on roach activity using sticky traps.

Position them in areas where roaches are known to travel and replace them when their stickiness fades, even if you haven't caught any pests yet. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining a pest-free home environment.

16. Take Preventive Measures

To prevent water bugs from returning, you can start by sealing all cracks in ground-level walls and caulking openings around doors, windows, pipes, and baseboards to eliminate entry points. Repair any water leaks and ensure drains are properly maintained to prevent standing water.

Position garbage cans away from damp areas and maintain a distance between trash and your home's perimeter. Improve ventilation in humid spaces and consider using a dehumidifier to reduce moisture indoors or in the attic. Install mesh screens on windows, floor drains, and vents, and ensure no food is left out overnight if there's an active infestation.

17. Get Indoor Plants

Why settle for a pest control service when you can have a botanical bouncer? The calming scent of lavender is not only pleasant to humans but also disliked by water bugs. Plant some lavender around your seating areas for a fragrant and roach-repelling barrier.

Citronella grass is another excellent choice; this fragrant herb marks itself as a natural water bug repellent, making it a decorative and functional addition to your patio. Additionally, planting rosemary in strategic locations around your garden or near entry points to your home is a reliable and effective way to create a barrier that water bugs are less likely to cross.

18. Seek Professional Help

Source : pexels

Dealing with water bugs in your home can be daunting, especially since they can bite and potentially spread disease. DIY methods may not always be effective, and if you don't see improvement within a couple of weeks, it's wise to consider calling a professional pest control expert.

These professionals have the expertise and tools needed to effectively eliminate water bug infestations, preventing them from becoming a persistent issue. Identifying where water bugs nest, using appropriate chemicals or traps, sealing entry points, and maintaining preventive measures have proven effective for many homeowners.

Identify Water Bugs in Home

There are several ways to detect a water bug infestation in your home. First, you might notice these bugs in various areas, typically dark brown with long antennae and a rounded shape resembling other roaches. Their hard, shell-like backs distinguish them from common household pests.

Another indicator could be a damp, musty smell in your house, especially near drains and pipes like those in the kitchen or bathroom. Lastly, during regular cleaning, you might come across egg casings. Water roaches reproduce quickly, with each casing containing about 14 new roaches, suggesting a significant infestation if you spot these eggs.

Potential Threat of Water Bugs

Water bugs, often mistaken for cockroaches, pose significant threats to homes and health. These pests thrive in damp environments like kitchens and bathrooms, contaminating food and surfaces with bacteria, and leading to potential illnesses.

They can also cause structural damage by nesting in walls and floors, exacerbating moisture problems. Moreover, their presence can trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals. Water bugs reproduce quickly, making infestations hard to control once they start.

Their resilience to common insecticides means they require more aggressive measures for eradication. Preventive steps, such as maintaining cleanliness and reducing moisture, are crucial to avoid these potential threats.

Water Bugs vs. Cockroaches

While water bugs and cockroaches are often confused due to their similar appearance, they have distinct differences and behaviors.

Appearance and Habitat

Water bugs, also known as giant water bugs, are generally larger than cockroaches, measuring up to 4 inches in length. They are aquatic insects with flat, oval-shaped bodies and powerful legs adapted for swimming. Found in ponds, streams, and other bodies of water, water bugs are predators, feeding on small fish and insects.

Cockroaches, on the other hand, are typically smaller, ranging from 0.5 to 2 inches in length. They have long antennae and six legs adapted for running. Cockroaches thrive in dark, damp environments like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. They are scavengers, feeding on a wide range of organic materials.

Behavior and Threat

Water bugs are not usually a household pest. They prefer outdoor aquatic habitats and may only enter homes in search of water during dry periods. While their bite can be painful, they are not significant carriers of diseases that affect humans.

Cockroaches, however, are notorious household pests. They reproduce rapidly and can infest homes, spreading bacteria and pathogens that can cause food poisoning, allergies, and asthma. Their presence indicates poor sanitation and can be challenging to eliminate.

Control and Prevention

Controlling water bugs involves maintaining outdoor water features and preventing them from entering homes by sealing gaps and cracks. Since they are not typically indoor pests, extensive indoor treatment is rarely necessary.

Controlling cockroaches requires a more rigorous approach, including maintaining cleanliness, reducing moisture, sealing entry points, and using baits, traps, and insecticides. Regular monitoring and professional pest control services may be necessary for severe infestations.