Do You Have Water Bugs In Your Virginia Home?

Water bugs are often another name for cochroaches
Close-up image of cockroach in house on background of water closet.

Water bugs are a common household pest in Virginia. They can invade homes and are especially attracted to areas with moisture like kitchens, bathrooms, and attics. Other common names for water bugs include cockroach and palmetto bugs.

In this article, we will look at what a water bug is, why it might be in your house, and how to get rid of them.

What Are Water Bugs?

Most people in Virginia refer to water bugs or palmetto bugs as cockroaches. There is a species of cockroach that is different from the typical cockroach you can find in your house.

Either way, cockroaches are unwelcome invaders that can grow up to an inch long and raid your pantry, spreading diseases wherever they walk. While true water bugs aren’t as prone to carrying illnesses are terrestrial cockroaches, they do have a nasty bite, so any type of cockroach in your Virginia home is most unwelcome.

Water bug vs cockroach?

The terms "water bug" and "cockroach" are often used interchangeably, especially in the Southern parts of the United States. However, true water bugs are not cockroaches. They are belong to the order Hemiptera and include insects like giant water bugs and water scorpions. These bugs are typically aquatic and have adaptations for living in water, such as paddle-like legs for swimming. They are predators, feeding on other aquatic organisms, and are generally found in ponds, streams, and other freshwater bodies.

Are Water Bugs Roaches?

When somebody us referring to a "water bug," it is often a cockroach. Usually, when somebody is talking about "water bugs," it is an American cockroach in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C.

Where Do Water Bugs Come From?

True water bugs are naturally found in aquatic environments. They are commonly found in fresh water bodies such as ponds, rivers, lakes and streams. water bugs are also found in marshes, stagnant or slow-moving waterways.

When people refer to "water bugs" that are actually cockroaches, these are American cockroaches found in areas such as sewers, drains, basements, and around leaking pipes.

Why Are They In My House?

Any type of cockroach in your house can be easily attracted by food left out, crumbs on the floor, improperly sealed food containers, or trash cans without a lid. Any crack in the foundation or poorly sealed window or door frame is an invitation for cockroaches and other pests to come inside.

A water bug, as the name implies, are also attracted by excess moisture. Standing water in drains or leaks in water pipes are the perfect magnet for water bugs. It is not uncommon to find them in the bathroom, kitchen, or basement, especially in areas that are not kept dry.

How Do I Get Rid of the Water Bugs?

Cockroach spray is one of the most common ways to eliminate them from your house. Other effective chemicals include borax and diatomaceous earth. These powders will wreak havoc on the digestive tract of these pests. However, using these products can be dangerous to the health and safety of your family and pets when not applied correctly. We recommend having a professional exterminator treat for these reasons.

Glue traps and baited traps are also good for eliminating different kinds of cockroaches. When all else fails, call your local extermination company.

Pest control companies like Fairfax-based My Pest Pros know the pests that can plague Virginia households. Our expert exterminators will help eliminate water bugs from your house. We will also provide prevention methods to avoid future infestations.  contact My Pest Pros today at 703-665-4455. and schedule your treatment to protect your home and take care of your northern Virginia and Maryland pest control needs.