What Are Water Bugs?

Water bugs are aquatic bugs and are available all around the world. You would be surprised to know that water bugs are available in more than two thousand species. These are the freshwater habitats and can be easily seen around the water’s edges. That being said, it’s evident that water bugs live in water, and they can enter homes in search of food and water. They are widely confused with cockroaches, but they aren’t the same.

Water bugs are known to live on water and also eat other water creatures and insects. They tend to be around two inches in length, and they like to spend their time floating around in the water. In addition, they can hold their breath. As far as eating habits are concerned, they are hunters and will paralyze the preys (yes, they have proboscis) and inject the enzyme in them for paralysis. Once their prey is paralyzed, they eat them up.

Why Do Water Bugs Cluster Up In Your Home?

Water bugs coming into your home is pretty rare because they live in the water bodies and the edges. However, they can be attracted to your home if there are marshes, clogged gutters, and water pools. For this reason, it is important to clear the garden from water bodies to ensure water bodies don’t develop. If you are unable to keep your home and surroundings dry, water bugs will find their way into your home. In addition, they can also be attracted to food leftovers and dirty dishes.

How To Get Rid Of Water Bugs?

Before we tell you the ways to get rid of carpenter bees, it is important to understand if you have a water bug infestation in your home. For this reason, we are sharing the signs of water bug infestation;

• Sighting – when it comes down to sighting, it is one of the biggest signs of infestation. That being said, if you spot the water bug in the garden, bathroom, or kitchen, there is a high chance that they have their friends around
• Crunchy Shells – water bugs, are known to shed old skin, which means there will be crunchy shells on the bathroom floors as well as inside the kitchen cabinets. So, if you see such shells or dead skin, you know there is an infestation
• Smell – when you are smelling something funny around the home, there are chances of water bug infestation. To illustrate, they create unpleasant and chemical-like smells to attract other insects for mating. In the majority of cases, these smells will be more prevalent in kitchens, bathrooms, and the basement
• Streak Marks – the water bugs are highly likely to leave the water or other droppings. So, if you can see black streak marks on the bathroom, wood shelves, floors, and attics, there are water bugs in your home and need to be eliminated

Now that you are aware of the signs of water bug infestation let’s check out different ways of getting rid of water bugs.

Step One

To begin with, you have to search for the water bug nests and don’t forget to look at the entry points. You might have to peek in the darker corners that you don’t regularly clean or store. For this purpose, you should look for crevices and gaps in pipes, doors, and windows. In addition, check the cracks in walls and concrete floors. If you are unable to find them, just switch off your room’s lights and let them become active and attack them by switching on the lights suddenly.

Step Two

When you have identified the location of water bugs, you have to take out the pesticide, and they work by disturbing the natural habitats of water bugs. Whenever water bugs come in contact with pesticides, they will be poisoned. For this reason, it is important to apply a pesticide at the right spots. When it comes down to pesticides, we are sharing some options below;

• Natural Pesticides – there are various natural pesticides available that do a great job of killing water bugs. For instance, some of these options include white vinegar, baking soda, boric acid, borax, and citronella oil. In case you use the liquid options, you need to apply them to drains and nests with the help of a spray bottle. On the other hand, you should sprinkle powdery ingredients around the nests
• Synthetic Pesticides – these pesticides include active ingredients that focus on killing the nervous system of the water bugs. When it comes down to synthetic pesticides, they are available in the form of traps, gels, and sprays, so find the right one

Step Three

Once you have selected the right pesticide, you have to seal the cracks and gaps so water bugs don’t hide inside. Once everything is sealed, apply the pesticides and let them die on their own.

Now that you have taken care of the current water bug infestation, we are sharing some preventive measures that will help keep them at bay, such as;

• You have to seal the recycling bins with the help of a lid
• Seal and store the food in the fridge rather than leaving them out on the shelf
• Always clear the recycling bin and dumpster
• Always eat food at one part of the house and clean up right away
• Using a vacuum cleaner to clear debris and crumbs
• Use steam cleaners for cleaning the carpets and rugs
• Don’t forget to fix the leaky faucets and make it a point to repair the basement walls when water starts seeping in

Where Do Water Bugs Come From?

These are aquatic bugs and love to stay outside. However, they get inside the home when they find water pools or food. For this reason, it is important to seal the entry points.

Will Water Bugs Sting Or Bite Me?

Water bugs will not prey on humans, but they can bite humans as a matter of defense. So, yes, they can bite, but only if you evoke them or if they think you are going to kill them. For this reason, when you have to attack them with a pesticide, make sure you are properly covered.

How Bad Is The Sting Of A Water Bug?

Honestly, their stings and bites can be extremely painful, and the pain might last for hours. This is why it’s suggested to wear PPE properly.

Are Water Bugs Destructive?

Water bugs are known to swim in the water, but they don’t have a life underwater. For this reason, they come to the land and similar surfaces and invade their home in search of water and food. As far as destructive nature is concerned, severe infestation can damage the home.

Do Water Bugs Get Attracted To Water?

As the name suggests, they are known to live in water which means they do get attracted to water. They penetrate your home in search of water and moisture when they cannot find it outside.

How To Get Rid Of Water Bugs Bites?

If the water bug has bitten you, it is suggested to use an ice pack over the area, and applying a drop of cooking oil could help as well. In case of itching and swelling, you should apply peppermint oil. However, if these things don’t help, taking professional help is always recommended.

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