Have you been seeing small bugs in your home and are unsure if they are water bugs or roaches? If so, you’re not alone! Many homeowners have trouble telling them apart. While there are some similarities between the two, it is important to know the difference because one can be more destructive than the other. Let’s take a look at what makes these creepy crawlies unique.
Appearance
The most noticeable difference between the two bugs is their appearance. Both water bugs and cockroaches can range in size from 1/2 inch to 3 inches long, but water bugs tend to be larger than roaches. Water bugs have flat bodies with long legs that extend out from the sides. They also tend to be darker in color and usually brown or black. Roaches, on the other hand, have small antennae on their heads and oval-shaped bodies with short legs that tuck close to their bodies. They are typically light brown or tan in color.
Behavior
Water bugs live near water sources like pools, ponds, lakes and rivers while cockroaches prefer dark areas like basements and garages (although they can live anywhere). Water bugs can fly short distances while cockroaches cannot fly at all (although they do have wings). Cockroaches are nocturnal while waterbugs can be active any time of day or night. In terms of diet, both pests will eat pretty much anything but cockroaches will eat just about anything organic while waterbugs prefer insects, algae and plants for sustenance.
Habitats
Most species of water bug live outdoors but some may find their way into your home through cracks around windows or doors (especially during warmer months). Cockroaches tend to enter homes through food packages or boxes brought in from outside as well as tiny cracks around windows, vents and pipes that lead into your home from outside.
Roaches can reproduce quickly which means if you spot one roach it could mean there are many more hiding nearby since they nest together in large colonies whereas waterbugs usually stay away from each other unless mating season arrives.
Roach or Waterbug: Know the Difference
Knowing how to distinguish between a water bug and a roach is key to understanding which pest you may have an infestation of in your home or business space. Typically speaking, cockroaches will cause more destruction when present due to their ability to reproduce quickly so it’s best practice to call an exterminator right away should you suspect an infestation of either kind of bug! With some knowledge under your belt now about what makes these pests unique, you’re better prepared for spotting them in your own space!
