Seeing a large bug in your home is never a pleasant experience, but spotting a cockroach may top the list of worst pest sightings. Not only do these dirty creatures spread disease and feces across surfaces, but they move faster than you think.
According to conventional wisdom, spotting one cockroach indicates that more are lurking in the shadows. However, water bugs are a little bit of a different story, though they are often confused with cockroaches.
While not as common, any home that lives near water or has suffered from leaks in its basement may spot the occasional water bug from time to time.
Water bugs and cockroaches may look identical, but they tend to infest different places and vary in severity. This guide will help you differentiate between water bugs and cockroaches in Maryland so that you can act accordingly.
What Is a Water Bug?
A water bug is an aquatic predator that dwells near water sources such as ponds and lakes. Water bugs are large and flat, with clawed front legs and a dark brown or black color. These bugs can be particularly big, growing up to 4 inches in length.
While commonly confused with Oriental cockroaches, water bugs are technically a different bug.
What Is a Cockroach?
A cockroach is an insect and a common household pest found in nearly every part of the world, with the exception of Antarctica. There are over 4,600 species of cockroaches, with the German cockroach and American cockroach being the most common types found in the U.S.
Oriental cockroaches tend to be rarer, though they are most commonly confused with water bugs, as both dwell in damp basements like those in Baltimore with easy access to water.
Key Differences in Appearance
When it comes to telling the difference between water bugs and cockroaches, there are a few key things to consider. First, water bugs tend to be much larger, growing up to 4 inches in length, while cockroaches are a bit smaller, usually only about 1-1.5 inches long.
Water bugs also have paddle-shaped hind legs that help them swim, while cockroaches have spiny legs for running. While you may not want to look too closely, this can be the biggest indicator of a water bug or cockroach.
Finally, water bugs are generally darker, while cockroaches are typically lighter brown or tan.
Habitat and Behavior Differences
Another way of distinguishing one pest from the other is by analyzing their behaviours and habitat. Water bugs are aquatic predators, preferring to live in freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, and streams.
Like cockroaches, which frequently infest homes, water bugs are not commonly found in human habitats. Generally, if you find a bug inside your home, it’s most likely a cockroach; if it’s in your basement, then it’s probably an Oriental cockroach.
Cockroaches seek places to find food and water sources, which is why they are often found in homes and apartment buildings.
How to Tell Which One You Have
When it comes to telling if you have cockroaches or water bugs in your home, you can identify several key differences in their appearance and behavior.
Size
- Water bugs: Generally much larger than cockroaches (up to 4 inches)
- Cockroaches: Smaller in comparison (up to 1.5 inches)
Color
- Water bugs: Darker in color, often black or very dark brown
- Cockroaches: Typically lighter brown or reddish-brown
Leg Shape
- Water bugs: Have paddle-like hind legs adapted for swimming
- Cockroaches: Legs are spiny and built for crawling
Habitat
- Water bugs: Prefer freshwater environments like ponds or streams; rarely found indoors
- Cockroaches: Common household pests that thrive indoors
Behavior
- Water bugs: Solitary and not typically found in large numbers
- Cockroaches: Infest homes in groups and multiply rapidly
Understanding these differences can help you identify the pest correctly and take the proper steps for removal.
Which Is More Common in Homes?
Unfortunately, cockroaches are more commonly found in homes than water bugs. While a water bug may accidentally turn up in a home on rare occasions, they do not infest like cockroaches do.
It is estimated that cockroaches are found in roughly 14 million homes in the U.S., making it more likely that you’ll encounter a cockroach than a true water bug.
Are Water Bugs or Cockroaches More Dangerous?
Cockroaches are considered more dangerous than water bugs because they often carry and spread diseases such as Salmonella and E. coli.
They can also trigger allergic reactions in some humans. Cockroaches are also social creatures, meaning spotting one cockroach will indicate a larger infestation.
What to Do If You Spot a Cockroach or Water Bug
If you spot a water bug or cockroach in your home, you should contact an exterminator right away.
It can be difficult to tell the difference between these two insects, and an experienced exterminator will be able to confirm which one you are dealing with before recommending a plan of action to get rid of them.
Eliminating cockroaches is difficult to do on your own and can be dangerous.
FAQs
Are water bugs actually a type of cockroach?
No, water bugs are not a type of cockroach. Water bugs and cockroaches belong to different orders of insects and water bugs are aquatic, while cockroaches are terrestrial.
Do water bugs live indoors like cockroaches?
Water bugs are aquatic predators, meaning that they live near water sources. While a water bug may occasionally end up indoors, they do not infest homes like cockroaches do.
Should I call pest control for water bugs?
While water bugs do not infest homes like cockroaches do, you should still contact an exterminator if you see one in your home.
Certain types of cockroaches, such as the Oriental cockroach, are commonly mistaken for water bugs, so it is best to be on the safe side and talk to a pest control professional.