Summary: We often hear homeowners say, “We don't have any cockroaches, but we do see waterbugs in our basement.” The Oriental cockroach is often called a waterbug or water bug. You can learn about cockroach control products and purchase them here.
Homeowners can handle the fact that they have occasional insects crawling around their basements, but heaven forbid it that insect turns out to be a cockroach. Well, here's some disheartening news. That ugly black bug scampering out of your floor drains may be a water bug or waterbug to you, but they are Oriental cockroaches to pest control professionals and you most definitely qualify as having a roach problem. But, there are lots of excellent roach control products, so don't give up.
The Oriental cockroach is most commonly found in damp areas feeding on decaying organic matter or worse, garbage. None of us wants cockroaches in our home, but the Oriental roach is the filthiest of the house-infesting roaches often found hiding in crawl spaces, near leaky water pipes and under appliances that have water sources like refrigerators and washing machines.
When cooler weather comes around, existing nests of Oriental cockroaches can migrate into nearby structures from their where they've been hiding in piles of leaves or other decaying debris. To prevent this from happening seal cracks in foundation walls, fix damaged door thresholds, cracks in windows, floors, ceilings, around plumbing fixtures.
If you discover that roaches have gained entry make sure you clean up spilled foods and liquids. Clean like you've never cleaned before areas beneath cabinets, sinks, stoves and refrigerators, as cupboards, pantry shelves and food storage bins. Take away possible food sources by keeping food locked in tightly sealed containers. Rinse bottles and cans before tossing them in the trash and take your garbage outside. Don't let it sit overnight in your kitchen.
Good housekeeping is the solution. A little elbow grease will solve your waterbug problem.
Comments
Janine
23 Jun 2010, 10:41
I woke up in the middle of the night last night because "something" was
crawling over my face, across my eye. There's nothing like slapping
yourself in the face in the middle of the night. A water bug fell onto my
bed. I was totally freaked out... could not sleep for hours after that.
I'm so calling the exterminator today!
i hate roaches
12 Jul 2010, 05:46
Tanya and Janine, you cracked me up! I have a water bug problem and I think
it's because my parents leave the bathroom window cracked open every night.
It also doesn't help that I sleep next to the bathroom! I don't know what
to do, I hate them and I think I will have a heart attack the day one lands
on me!! It already happened to my bro, I'm scared I'll be next. Tomorrow
I'm going to do something about it, I'm gonna turn my room upside down and
clean EVERYTHING!!! I'm typing this in the dark and I swear I hear their
footsteps <sad face>
davis
02 Aug 2010, 23:38
can you suggest some type of bomb i can set off to get rid of waterbugs,
roaches, and another and is it safe for children and pets?
Ask the Exterminator
03 Aug 2010, 09:36
"Bombs" are mainly for flying insects. I recommend using the Advion
Cockroach Arena bait stations. Go to http://shop.asktheexterminator.com to
purchase.
DianeHeyward
09 Aug 2010, 18:49
i seen waterbug last night two of them i had a crack in the bathroom is
that where they come from or is there another reason because i keep house
clean and how do i get rid of this promblem.
Casie & Curtis
11 Aug 2010, 10:31
I've only seen a waterbug once before & was told that everyone had them in
their house... but Im still one of those "clean" people that DOES NOT have
bugs, or so I thought. I woke up last night to use the bathroom & this bug
was just sitting on the toliet seat & did not care that I was trying to
kill it. The bug ended up dissapearing under the back of the toilet & then
this morning I seen -- what looked like the same one -- on my back porch.
It didnt seem like it was harmful, but it was big & very nasty. My question
is, if you have seen one or two in your house, does that mean you have a
problem or is that normal from what people have told me. I dont want any
bugs crawling on my face while sleeping so please let me know if I should
treat. Thank ya!
Ask the Exterminator
12 Aug 2010, 10:53
You need to find out what type roach is invading your home. Oriental?
American? Wood? Knowing the species will tell you if you have a problem or
not. Collect one and get it identified.
Donna
18 Aug 2010, 04:36
What products are safe for pets? I have a cat and my neighbor has a dog.
Ask the Exterminator
18 Aug 2010, 12:28
I like the Advion Roach Arena for large roaches like the Oriental. Won't
harm your pets, either. It's available by clicking on "Pest Control
Products" at the top of this page.
Sandra
22 Aug 2010, 13:21
Can you suggest any home remidies to killing these roaches?
Ask the Exterminator
22 Aug 2010, 22:37
Find and fix the moisture source, then apply a thin coating of baby powder
on the floor where you are seeing the roaches. The powder will eventually
dry out the body of the roach and kill it, if you get lucky.