When it comes to preventing or treating a bug infestation, knowing the difference between a water bug and a cockroach will go a long way to getting you the right help fast.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
- What is a water bug?
- What is a cockroach?
- The difference between cockroaches and water bugs
- Signs of a cockroach infestation
- Signs of a water bug infestation
- How to prevent insect infestations in your home
- Pest control for water bugs and cockroaches
What is a Water Bug?
A water bug is a dark beetle-looking insect about 2” in length and prefers to spend its time in the water. They are hunters and will also bite humans if they feel threatened. While the bite is not dangerous, it can be painful to humans.
Unlike cockroaches, water bugs are not considered actual pests, but they can still be quite annoying if they descend upon your home.
What is a Cockroach?
Cockroaches have an elongated body shape with long legs and antennae. They have a range of colors from light brown to almost black (depending on the species), and they are generally between 1-1.5” in length.
Unlike water bugs, cockroaches thrive on land, as they prefer to scavenge through garbage. They are not dangerous to humans via their bite but are a true pest because they carry many diseases and health concerns.
The Difference Between Cockroaches and Water Bugs
While the two may look similar, they have a few distinctive differences:
| Cockroaches | Waterbugs |
| Smaller body, longer antennae | Rounder shape |
| Scavenge | Bite humans |
| Live on land | Aquatic |
These are some differences between what a cockroach looks like vs. a water bug and their living habits. Knowing these will help you understand what bug you might be encountering on your property and take the next steps to get professional pest control services.
Signs of a Cockroach Infestation
If you see one cockroach in your home, there is a chance of more.
Knowing these signs will help you determine if you might be at risk of a cockroach infestation:
- Droppings – Cockroaches leave behind droppings that resemble coffee grounds of black pepper. They are tiny (about 1mm) but can accumulate quickly with a cockroach infestation.
- Stench – Cockroaches root around in garbage and track disease in with them. Their droppings also carry an offensive pheromone to humans. This often correlates with a foul odor attributed to their nest or the bugs themselves.
- Grease or Smear Marks – Cockroaches will leave streaks on walls, appliances, and furniture that they are active around.
- Cockroach Eggs – Outside of seeing several cockroaches themselves, their egg capsules are a telling sign of an infestation. These eggs are called oothecae, and one of them can hold up to thirty cockroach nymphs.
If you start noticing these signs of cockroaches in your home, you must get professional cockroach pest control immediately. A cockroach infestation can damage your property, hurt your health, and is altogether unpleasant.
Signs of a Water Bug Infestation
Due to the environment and their living habits, water bug infestations are less common in Arizona than cockroaches – but they still happen, and you should know the signs of one:
- Droppings/Egg Casings: Water bug droppings and their egg casings are both black pellets – slightly larger than cockroaches- and hard to discern by the untrained eye. Either can be a warning of a water bug infestation, however.
- Humidity and Other Bugs: If your home is always humid and you notice other bugs that are attracted to it, you can also be at risk of a water bug infestation.
- Dirty Standing Water or Pools: If you see water that looks lived in or visited by bugs, there is a chance that water bugs are ready to infest your home.
- Water Bugs Themselves: If you see water bugs in your home or near your water sources, it is time to sound the alarm to prevent an infestation.
These are just a few of the signs of water bug home invasion that signify the need for professional pest control services.
How to Prevent Insect Infestations in Your Home
To keep stray cockroaches, water bugs, and other insects from being attracted to your home, we recommend the following bug prevention techniques:
Keep Surfaces Clean
Wiping down counters, sweeping floors, and ensuring there is no food or water residue on your surfaces will prevent bugs from getting into your home.
Tidy Garbage Bins
Regularly emptying and washing out your garbage bins will prevent food buildup and other gunk that attracts cockroaches and other insects.
Seal Cracks in your Home
Openings in your foundation and walls are too easy for insects to come in through. The same goes for cracked pipes and windows without screens. Make sure to seal these properly to prevent a bug infestation.
Trim Hedges and Remove Debris
Any place that can make a good nest on your property is an invitation for an infestation. Keeping these areas tidy and pulled back from your windows and walls is paramount to home defense.
These are just a few of the best ways to prevent pest infestation around your home.
Some of Arizona’s more intense pest infestations will require long-term and consistent professional pest control services.
Pest Control for Water Bugs and Cockroaches
Due to their nesting and breeding nature, cockroaches and water bugs typically require professional pest control services if they have infested your house. DIY and over-the-counter products will ultimately be a waste of time and money while the infestation worsens – so if you see the signs of a cockroach infestation, it’s time to call the pros.
The good news is that the best professional pest control services in Arizona will create a unique plan for your home and its environment. They can also schedule regular pest control services at an interval that makes sense, reduces stress, and saves you money in the long run.
