You don’t need to be in the pest control business to know there are a lot of different kinds of bugs and insects out there in the world—flies, termites, ants, wasps, spiders and bed bugs, to name just a few of the most common. The problem many homeowners run into when deploying at-home pest removal treatments is that they are not using effective control methods because they aren’t sure what insect they are dealing with. The untrained eye may misidentify the type of problem insect—it’s important to determine the exact type of insect so the right pest control treatment can be used.
Did you know that many insects are consistently confused with some species of cockroach? One such insect is the water bug. So, what are the differences between water bugs and sewer roaches? Read on for some insight from an experienced exterminator in Bartlesville, OK!
Cockroaches
The most common type of cockroach has a round body shape, with wings either spread or lying flush against its back and a brownish coloring all over. Compared to the water bug, cockroaches are usually smaller, and each insect thrives in very different habitats.
Water bugs
Water bugs tend to live in water. Although they don’t live in the water full-time, they can hold their breath for a very long time. They do have to resurface on occasion. They are defensive little critters known to bite if they are picked up. A couple of characteristics do set water bugs apart from cockroaches: they rarely enter dwellings, and prefer to eat other insects in the water rather than scavenge for food like cockroaches do.
Differences in water bugs and cockroaches
There are a few major differences between the two, with the main one being their appearance. While they do resemble each other somewhat, there are distinct differences to look out for:
- Size: In general, water bugs are bigger than cockroaches. Water bugs are approximately two inches long, while most cockroaches tend to be one to one-and-a-half inches long.
- Living environment: Each thrives best in certain habitats, which are very different from one another. Water bugs are named for their love of spending time in the water; however, the term “water bug” applies to several varieties of insects—it’s the giant water bug that is most often confused with cockroaches. That said, some species of cockroach can survive in water, but they will always prefer to be on dry land.
- Food: Water bugs hunt for prey in the water. Through their proboscis, they inject a powerful enzyme that liquefies the prey’s insides, making them easy to suck out and consume. Cockroaches will eat most anything, but by scavenging as opposed to hunting.
- Pest level: Cockroaches are considered pests because they can cause medical and health issues in people. Since water bugs feed on other insects, they are not typically thought of as serious pests. Nevertheless, you probably don’t want them in your home!
Call the pros at Excellence Pest Control to begin working with an experienced exterminator in Bartlesville, OK today. We’d love to help you tackle your roach or water bug problem!