There are several species of water bugs. They look like big cockroaches, but they are completely different from cockroaches. They bite as well. You can tell the difference between these two insects by following these steps.
My attitude toward water bugs would have changed if I’d known what I know now about them as a child.
It was common for my friends and me to encounter these large insects in the creek near where we lived. In spite of the fact that we never tried to catch one, we never worried about getting too close to one. This was a mistake, since these insects can bite humans between their toes. Although technically it isn’t a bite, it is an injection of venom- but who is going to worry about that when the pain begins?
There are about 150 species of water bugs in the family Belostomatidae. It’s not uncommon for bugs to be big. Its oval-shaped body and similar coloring resembles that of an American cockroach. It’s easy to tell the difference between cockroaches and water bugs.
It is the habitat that makes a significant difference. As their name implies, water bugs are aquatic, whereas most cockroaches avoid water. The water bugs eat fish, unlike cockroaches, which forage for food in basements and pantries.
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Water Bugs vs. Cockroaches: What Do They Look Like?
A cockroach’s body is oval, while a water bug’s is much larger. Water bugs can be two to four inches long with wider bodies, while cockroaches tend to be about an inch long (some exotic species are larger). Brown or black is the most common color for both. The color of cockroaches is often tan or red, whereas the color of water bugs is usually gray.
What is the most noticeable difference? There are no antennae on water bugs. It may look like their front legs are antennae, but they are actually used to catch prey. Water bugs have fairly normal eyes; cockroaches have compound eyes partially hidden by the head and thorax.
Because they are dark and live near water, Oriental cockroaches (Blatta orientalis) are often mistaken for water bugs. Unlike water bugs, Oriental cockroaches lack wings and cannot fly – a dead giveaway. The cockroach communicates by making noises.
Water Bugs vs. Cockroaches: Where Do They Live?
There are ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams throughout North America that are ideal habitats for water bugs. Since a tube on their abdomen extends above the surface, they can stay underwater for long periods of time.
An unsuspecting wader can step on one as they float just below the surface, receiving a painful bite. It is for this reason that they are nicknamed “toe-biters.” Although their venom is not deadly to humans, their bites are painful.
There are only a few terrestrial cockroaches, including the Oriental cockroach. Breeding and nesting take place in dark, moist places.
The basement, shelves, cabinets, or any place with dark, damp conditions may be a breeding ground for cockroaches. In the outdoors, they usually nest inside woodpiles or under logs. North America is also home to these creatures, which hibernate or seek warmth inside buildings when it’s cold out.
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Water Bugs vs. Cockroaches: Behavior
They’re sometimes called “electric light bugs” because they’re attracted to bright lights when they fly from one body of water to another. Water bugs are often heard buzzing around porch lights at night if there is a large insect present.
Whenever they’re not buzzing around lights, they’re sitting motionless on the shore of bodies of water, waiting to pounce. An odorous liquid is emitted from the anus of a water bug as a defense mechanism when it is approached by a larger predator.
Water bugs are solitary insects, unlike cockroaches, which are highly social animals. Seeing one roach probably means there are more nearby. The most active time for cockroaches is at night, before sunset and until dawn, when they tend to congregate. An overcrowded nesting space will cause a colony to split and look for multiple places to nest.
Water Bugs vs. Cockroaches: How To Get Rid of Them
Boric acid is used to poison cockroaches by mixing sugar or honey with it. Additionally, diatomaceous earth, orange oil, and insecticide spray can be used. In case of a large infestation, an exterminator is usually the best choice.
Water bugs are usually alone when you see them. Water bugs, not Oriental or American cockroaches, are more likely to be found in large numbers if you see more than one. You’ll probably never see another water bug if you catch one in your house and release it outside. Be careful not to handle it with your bare hands.
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