What Gets Rid of Water Bugs?

Water bugs are nasty little critters that live in ponds, lakes and fresh water streams and, sometimes, in swimming pools. They can grow up to 12 centimeters long and their sting is one of the most painful in the insect world. There are, however, a variety of ways to get rid of water bugs.

Screens

If you live near a pond or other source of water, make sure you have screens on all of your windows. While a water bug can easily enter your home is it wishes, having a tight-fitting screen will make its job a little more difficult.

BTI

BTIs, sometimes called "mosquito dunks," have been proven to be effective against water bugs as well as mosquitoes. Just drop one in any source of water that you believe to harboring water bugs every 30 days. The chemical in this product kills the water bugs while they are still in the larva stage, thus preventing them from becoming adults.

Borax

Sprinkling Borax around the outside of your home will help keep the pests from getting inside and if you don't have pets or kids, you can sprinkle it inside, as well. Any dark corners or cracks in the foundation are ideal places to sprinkle the Borax.

Dish Detergent

For water bugs that are harassing you in the swimming pool, just add a few tablespoons of dish detergent to the water. Once you get out of the pool for the day, add the detergent with the pump running. Allow the water to calm and when the sun goes down, turn the pool lights on. The water bugs will be drawn to the light but when they get in the pool, the detergent will have created a barrier on the water so that when the bugs go under, they can't come back up for air.

Boric Acid

Pyrethrums like Ecozone Pyrethrum Insect Powder will also help kill the creatures that have invaded your home. Or, you can use the old standby bug remedy, boric acid. Just sprinkle it in the dark recesses where you think the bugs may be hanging out.