Water bugs are a species that are largely similar to cockroaches. These insects are also attracted to moisture. The process of eliminating water bugs is same as that of cockroaches. Their occurrence should not be ignored. You also should avoid touching a water bug if you find one as these pests are known for giving painful bites to humans if they feel disturbed. They may end up inside homes when their habitats are disturbed. Continue to read more to know how you can get rid of these water bugs.
Vacuum the areas where you come across water bugs, and their eggs. The vacuum will suck out dirt, water bug exoskeletons and their larvae. Sanitize the surfaces thoroughly to remove their trails so that new bugs do not have access to it.
Place sticky traps in all locations of the house including the ones behind the fridge, below appliances and pipes that are used by the water bugs. Make sure to change them as and how they lose their stickiness. You should not avoid changing them as their egg cases may hatch any time.
Diatomaceous earth is a powder made of fossilized and hard-shelled algae found in saline or freshwater. It can work excellently in getting rid of water bugs from your home. This agent cuts through their exoskeleton which will exterminate the water bug.
Bait stations are also an excellent remedy when you are looking to get rid of water bugs in your home. These devices are laced with insecticides and can target their nests while working to eliminate the water bug issue from its source. They can kill water bugs that you constantly see and also the ones you haven’t come across.
Boric acid works to dehydrate water bugs as soon as they come into contact with it. This chemical disrupts the functioning of their nervous system and stomach. Sprinkle boric acid in all access points and hideouts used by water bugs in the house which can help get rid of the water bug population in your home. You can also use a boric acid paste for killing water bugs present in walls and crawlspaces.
Baking soda can also be used to eliminate water bugs from human habitat. This chemical works in a way similar to boric acid and diatomaceous earth drying out the water bugs and killing them.
Take baking soda and powdered sugar in equal portions. Mix these 2 ingredients and sprinkle them in all regions of the house that have water bugs. They dislike the smell of this mixture and also end up dying after coming in contact with it.
You can easily keep off water bugs from your lawn and house by simply mowing your lawn regularly. Tall grass can house these pests easily and so keeping the grass length in check can help in preventing water bugs. Not mowing and maintaining the lawn can be an invitation for these pests.
Moisture sources such as leaky faucets, drains and plumbing can draw water bugs to your property. High levels of humidity in basements also can be attractive for these pests. Make sure you repair faulty plumbing and drains. Buy a dehumidifier for areas that are prone to humidity.
Make sure you do not provide any food source to these pests for their survival. Clean up after your pets and pick out their droppings. Store pet food and other eatables in airtight containers. Take out trash daily and ensure it is covered tightly with a heavy lid. Clean up the cooking appliances and kitchen counters after every meal.
Cracks, crevices and openings in foundation, walls and basements can easily help water bugs to gain entry into your property. Change the weather-stripping in doors and windows. Install screens on windows, drains, chimneys etc. Checking and eliminating entry points is key to preventing water bugs in your home.
You can easily clear the water bugs from your house using the above methods. Hire a certified pest controller for the systematic and detailed extermination of water bugs from your property if they continue to persist. Usage of chemical methods and products on your own can prove to be dangerous especially if there are kids, pets or elderly people in the household.
