Information About Water Bugs
The term water bug encompasses a wide variety of insects that live in water and are grouped in a category of insects known as "true bugs." Water bugs are unique aquatic insects because they don't have gills. They are sometimes called electric-light bugs because of their tendency to gravitate towards light at night. Although cockroaches do not live in water, they are often referred to as water bugs. Does this Spark an idea?
-
True Water Bugs vs. Cockroaches
-
While the terms are often used interchangeably, cockroaches and true water bugs are not the same. True water bugs live in water and are mostly harmless to humans. Cockroaches can be harmful to humans, and although they often come out of damp places such as drains and pipes, are not aquatic.
True Water Bugs
-
Water bugs live on or just below the surface of bodies of water such as ponds or streams. They help maintain a pond or lake's ecosystem by feeding on other aquatic life and algae. Water bugs are good swimmers and fliers. Their size varies, but are normally no longer than two inches.
-
Cockroaches
-
There are many types of cockroaches, but the ones that infest homes are usually either German or American. The American cockroach is most commonly called a water bug. Both are nocturnal, feed on just about anything, and carry diseases that can be harmful to humans. Cockroach feces have been known to cause asthma and allergies in humans.
The German cockroach is tan or light brown and the American cockroach is reddish-brown. Both produce many offspring. The American cockroach's 14 to 16 eggs hatch in 50 to 55 days and the German cockroach produces 30 to 48 eggs that hatch in 28 days.
Cockroach Habitats
-
Cockroaches can be found living outside in damp piles of leaves or mulch. While they prefer the outdoors, they travel inside in search of food, and settle in warm, moist areas. They often live near drains in kitchens and bathrooms, or in dark areas such as corners and basements.
Cockroach Prevention
-
Cockroaches initially move inside during cold weather through cracks in walls or windows. Therefore, it is helpful if you make sure all cracks and fixtures are sealed before it is cold weather season. If cockroaches are already inside, thoroughly clean the entire house or restaurant, make sure that food is tightly sealed and put away, and do not leave food in the garbage. They hide in crevices during the day, so clean in all the hard-to-reach places where they may be located.
-
References
- Photo Credit pond image by NataV from Fotolia.com
