Water Bugs
Summary:
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 water bug. 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. Here is a link to lots of excellent roach control products.
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.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
22 Aug 2010, 13:21
Can you suggest any home remidies to killing these roaches?
Ask the Exterminator
22 Aug 2010, 22:37
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.
Janice
09 Sep 2010, 10:33
09 Sep 2010, 10:33
I live in 1st floor apartment and have bug problems. Last night I was
sitting on my sofa and I saw this HUGE water bug or a roach crawling on
floor. It was my first time seeing these kind bug in my apartment house.
My question is, if you have seen one or two in your house, does that mean you have a problem? How can i get rid off waterbugs, roaches, and anothers?
My question is, if you have seen one or two in your house, does that mean you have a problem? How can i get rid off waterbugs, roaches, and anothers?
Ask the Exterminator
09 Sep 2010, 11:29
09 Sep 2010, 11:29
The first step in cockroach control is identifying the roach. You don't
seem to know if you have Oriental roaches or some other type.
Leah
14 Sep 2010, 03:34
14 Sep 2010, 03:34
I am "bugging" out right about now, I had what I THINK was a wood roach,
and I live in the woods so I can understand that, Its just not cool that I
was half asleep as I felt it crawl across my bed... now I can not sleep! I
jumped and grabbed a tissue but after getting squirmy looking at it I had
to flush it! I've never seen oriental or american roaches in my apartment
before so I dont know what to do!!! Help! lol
Laura
17 Sep 2010, 03:46
17 Sep 2010, 03:46
I was told by a local exterminator who identified one I had caught that
Oriental roaches are generally outdoor bugs that come in and don't
necessarily lay eggs inside or take up permanent residence. He also said
they were not the dirty kind (he said German roaches are the dirty ones).
But you say the Orientals are the filthiest. Who is right? I had not seen
bugs in the three years I was here and then suddenly I was seeing one a
night or every other night for about three weeks. Now I have seen one in
the past month. Hard to understand what made them suddenly show up and
what made them go away.
Ask the Exterminator
17 Sep 2010, 09:20
17 Sep 2010, 09:20
A roach is a roach. They are cannibalistic and they consume their own
feces. So, who cares if it is a German or Oriental roach. They are both
"dirty" in my view.
If the environment is right, Oriental roaches will lay eggs with the best of them. Cool, moist conditions are all that is required for Oriental roaches. Decaying matter with lots of bacteria can be "home" to a roach. They travel carrying all that "stuff" on their feet and bodies, right over the surfaces where we prepare our food.
I don't see it as a choice between having Oriental or German roaches. I see it only as having roaches or not having roaches.
If the environment is right, Oriental roaches will lay eggs with the best of them. Cool, moist conditions are all that is required for Oriental roaches. Decaying matter with lots of bacteria can be "home" to a roach. They travel carrying all that "stuff" on their feet and bodies, right over the surfaces where we prepare our food.
I don't see it as a choice between having Oriental or German roaches. I see it only as having roaches or not having roaches.
ihateroaches
22 Sep 2010, 01:01
22 Sep 2010, 01:01
we just moved into an apartment not long ago and I saw the
biggest, most nasty, ugly roach twice. the body is as big as a
thumb and it has two antennas. when I sprayed it with a roach
spray, it flew to another spot, so I smashed it with a shoe.
do they get that big or is it sometimg else?
Ask the Exterminator
22 Sep 2010, 10:51
22 Sep 2010, 10:51
American roaches and wood roaches get that big and they can fly.
MRB
23 Sep 2010, 12:43
23 Sep 2010, 12:43
I hadn'et seen any of these things last year, but this year, I've already
seen three over a 2-month period.
We are experiencing a major drout, plus I live by a pond. Could this be the reason why they've made there way into my place.
I WANT 'EM GONE!!!!!!!!
We are experiencing a major drout, plus I live by a pond. Could this be the reason why they've made there way into my place.
I WANT 'EM GONE!!!!!!!!
Ask the Exterminator
23 Sep 2010, 16:57
23 Sep 2010, 16:57
These insects need a moist, cool environment. Your house provides that
area. Treat around the exterior perimeter with Talstar granules, which are
available on this website.
Jenn
13 Oct 2010, 01:19
13 Oct 2010, 01:19
I have these big black bugs, that I was told by a exterminator were
waterbugs, we saw them when we first bought our house a year ago but after
a couple months they went away. now around the same time we bought our
house im seeing them again. its maybe one every couple days. they get
inside then flip on their back and die after a bit. will they just go away
again? I keep my house farely clean and havnt seen any in kitchen or
cupboards mainly just in hallways
Ask the Exterminator
13 Oct 2010, 09:22
13 Oct 2010, 09:22
If they are, in fact, Oriental cockroaches (waterbugs), they need a source
of moisture to survive. If they cannot find it they will die. They also may
be dying because they are coming in contact with a residual pesticide
applied by your exterminator.
Juba
02 Nov 2010, 15:18
02 Nov 2010, 15:18
Believe it or not I kill roaches with Windex - I spray at them and they die
really quickly. It is also effective with flies when they are landed at
windows.
Ask the Exterminator
02 Nov 2010, 17:20
02 Nov 2010, 17:20
Alcohol kills insects. That's not news. Plus, it's a pretty expensive way
to control roaches.
jessica
04 Nov 2010, 13:11
04 Nov 2010, 13:11
I have seen a bug that looks like this in my bathroom and am starting to
see it in other area of my home. They are not very big though, the biggest
I have seen is about a 1/4 of an inch. They are med brown with horz lines
on the back. they are wider than german roaches look. does this sound
like a oriental roach?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Ask the Exterminator
04 Nov 2010, 14:10
04 Nov 2010, 14:10
It's probably the nymphal stage of some type of cockroach. Email me a photo
using the "Ask a Question" link at the top of the page.
melanie
07 Nov 2010, 21:25
07 Nov 2010, 21:25
do oriental roaches also dislike the smell of bayleaves and catnip? We
have some that come up through a little drain area we have in our garage
and thus far have only been seen in our garage...also, what is their life
cycle like? are they constant breeders, breed only in summer, how long do
the live???
Ask the Exterminator
08 Nov 2010, 10:14
08 Nov 2010, 10:14
I cannot answer about bay leaves or catnip being repellents. Cockroaches
lay eggs in all seasons. The Oriental roach can survive nearly two years.
fvg
11 Nov 2010, 10:18
11 Nov 2010, 10:18
I just moved into a rental townhouse and started seeing large roaches a
week after I started living there. I randomly see one or two per night, and
they are usually 2-3 inches long (not including their antenna). How long do
you think they have inhabited the house and how big do you think the
infestation may be?
Ask the Exterminator
11 Nov 2010, 16:22
11 Nov 2010, 16:22
I cannot answer either of those questions.
Ask the Exterminator
23 Nov 2010, 21:51
23 Nov 2010, 21:51
I assume you are speaking of when they die, they often die on their backs.
But, not always. If they are killed by pesticides the pesticides short out
their internal electrical system and they may flop over. Even during a
natural dealth they may flip over and are unable to flip right side up
again.
William Hartley
28 Dec 2010, 17:49
28 Dec 2010, 17:49
We had an exterminator tell us today that the roach-looking bug was not a
roach but a water bug. He also stated that they do not treat for them now
(dec 29) but will come in the spring to treat.
Why not treat now. We are in SW Missouri
Everything I have read and what I have been taught tells me that water bugs are roaches
Is this a pro life exterminator?
Why not treat now. We are in SW Missouri
Everything I have read and what I have been taught tells me that water bugs are roaches
Is this a pro life exterminator?
Ask the Exterminator
29 Dec 2010, 09:45
29 Dec 2010, 09:45
Find a new exterminator. Water bugs are Oriental cockroaches. They can be
treated at any time during the year.
Tyrone H
21 Jan 2011, 14:01
21 Jan 2011, 14:01
you are VERY awesome for putting this info out there - please continue with
your educationing the masses. It's funny how many people called them 'water
bugs' in an effort to feel better, like it makes them any less nasty a
insect 8^)
John
03 Feb 2011, 12:09
03 Feb 2011, 12:09
Hey Rick,
Is it true these bugs are unable to climb vertically? I've hit them with insecticide and boric acid, and so far, the dead ones I've found have only been on the floor, so it makes sense...
Is it true these bugs are unable to climb vertically? I've hit them with insecticide and boric acid, and so far, the dead ones I've found have only been on the floor, so it makes sense...
Ask the Exterminator
03 Feb 2011, 15:47
03 Feb 2011, 15:47
They cannot climb smooth vertical surfaces, but they can sometimes
negotiate rough vertical surfaces.
Agnieszka
28 Mar 2011, 19:52
28 Mar 2011, 19:52
Is it possible that the oriental cockroaches (the black ones)come out of
the toilet? If so the is no way to block it...
Does the same apply to the other water bugs ( i don't know the right name but they are brownish, slimmer, little longer, run faster and are at the same size or bigger).
Does the same apply to the other water bugs ( i don't know the right name but they are brownish, slimmer, little longer, run faster and are at the same size or bigger).
Ask the Exterminator
28 Mar 2011, 21:33
28 Mar 2011, 21:33
More likely, they are coming from under the toilet where it is cool and
possibly wet. The slimmer, brown roaches are probably German roaches. Read
my articles on these roaches by entering their names in the search box on
this page.
DR
04 Apr 2011, 16:08
04 Apr 2011, 16:08
Ty closing the drain in your bathroom sink and tub.Make sure there are no
drips in tube or sink.
Anita
04 May 2011, 13:04
04 May 2011, 13:04
I have encountered what looks like a roach or waterbug in my bathroom.
This is the second one in a few months. I think it's from the drain as
both were in the tub. I am having an exterminator come but any home
remedies for the bathroom/drain?
Ask the Exterminator
04 May 2011, 14:25
04 May 2011, 14:25
Click on that link for "roach control products" in the article and you'll
find lots of products that will control your roaches.
Mina
12 Jun 2011, 08:35
12 Jun 2011, 08:35
I seen one for the first time since I moved in my apartment 5 months
ago..it's black long with antennas but it was on top of my door looking
over n still didn't move..does that mean I have lots of them? Im hardly
home I don't cook how do I get them?
Ask the Exterminator
12 Jun 2011, 08:38
12 Jun 2011, 08:38
It depends upon what kind of roach it was. Sometimes you can get some that
accidently comes in from outside. Other times it may be part of a larger
infestation. Identifying the roach is essential for your answer.
Min
12 Jun 2011, 09:07
12 Jun 2011, 09:07
It looked liked a waterbug roach
Ask the Exterminator
12 Jun 2011, 10:10
12 Jun 2011, 10:10
Please use the "Ask a Question" link at the top of the page to continue
this discussion.
Karla
22 Jun 2011, 18:30
22 Jun 2011, 18:30
We have been experiencing a drought and it finally rained last night. Well,
today I had 5 water bugs scurry out of my closet! I live in an older pier
and beam home and I haven't had this happen before. What should I do?
Ask the Exterminator
22 Jun 2011, 22:45
22 Jun 2011, 22:45
Apply Maxforce FC gel to the cracks where you suspect the roaches came
from. They will eat the gel and return to their nests to spread the poison.
You can find the product by clicking on "Pest Control Products" link at the
top of this page.
kat
26 Jun 2011, 14:09
26 Jun 2011, 14:09
If I understand correctly, water bugs cannot climb up or down vertical
surfaces. Then, how do they climb up out of the bathtub after entering it
through the drain? Or down from the sink? I am just trying to figure out
how they are getting inside of my apartment.
Ask the Exterminator
26 Jun 2011, 23:07
26 Jun 2011, 23:07
They are probably not entering the tub via the drain. They may be coming
from another source and are falling into the tub. Generally, they cannot
climb smooth surfaces.
Stacey
23 Jul 2011, 09:34
23 Jul 2011, 09:34
I live in Queens NY and recently saw a big waterbug in my apt.Never had
them till I moved to a apt building. always live in a private house. Well
after almost crying my way to the hospital from the shock, had an
exterminator come, forgot to ask him if they bite?
Felicia
23 Jul 2011, 09:52
23 Jul 2011, 09:52
I recently puchased an apartment in a co-op building,love my apt.but i am
in complete disbelief of the the waterbug situation,besides keeping a clean
apt.and sealing up all the holes in the walls, corking the
drains,exterminating once a month,with the market down right now,i would
imagine im pretty much stuck here..Is their any other solution to this
nightmare that im not aware of? Maybe you can help me out?
Ask the Exterminator
25 Jul 2011, 09:44
25 Jul 2011, 09:44
They don't bite.
Ask the Exterminator
25 Jul 2011, 11:05
25 Jul 2011, 11:05
Felicia,
If you are on the ground floor you are going to have to contend with how to fix the moisture problem that is attracting and supporting the waterbugs. They thrive in cool, moist conditions.
If you are on the ground floor you are going to have to contend with how to fix the moisture problem that is attracting and supporting the waterbugs. They thrive in cool, moist conditions.
jaleel whaley
09 Aug 2011, 19:54
09 Aug 2011, 19:54
at times when i wake up at 5am i see little water bugs craw from under my
bed what does that mean and im a clean freak but at 7am they are all
gone?and by the time of fall there gone untill next summer can you help me
out
Ask the Exterminator
10 Aug 2011, 13:11
10 Aug 2011, 13:11
Roaches are nocturnal, so they avoid light, as a rule. If you are on the
ground floor the roaches are probably coming from the baseboards or a crack
in the slab floor. It's all moisture related. Discover where and why there
is moisture collecting under the floor or along the outside foundation of
the building and you will be half way to resolving your roach problem
