How to Determine If I Have Roaches or Water Bugs

Cockroaches carry diseases.

A "waterbug" is actually an Oriental cockroach. Identifying it and other types of cockroaches enables the homeowner to get rid of the pests effectively. Cockroaches travel through many types of waste and they defecate on your counter tops, floors and other surfaces creating an unsanitary environment. Although they carry many types of diseases, whether or not they transmit them to humans is still under study. The presence of cockroaches may trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Cockroach baits, boric acid, aerosol sprays or insect growth regulators (optional)
• Caulk, weatherstripping or plumbing repair supplies (optional)

Instructions

1. Look at the "waterbug" to determine whether it is an Oriental or other type of cockroach. The Oriental adult is typically 1 to 1.25 inches long. Its body is dark brown to black, shiny and sturdy. The female adult has traces of wings, while the male has short wings that do not cover the abdomen. Neither can fly.

2. Look at the pest to see if it is an American cockroach. It is also known as a waterbug or palmetto bug. These are reddish-brown or brown in color and approximately 1.5 inches long. They have a yellow-looking margin directly behind the head. The antenna extend out in the same length as the body. Young American cockroaches have the same type coloring and a yellow color on the underside of the body. They have wings and are all able to fly, if necessary. The eggs are brown, resemble a tiny purse with ridges on top and are approximately 1/3 inch long.

3. Measure the size of the pest to determine if it is a German cockroach. They are approximately 1/2 inch in length, light brown and have two black stripes behind the head area. The wings reach the tip of the abdomen and the eggs are light brown in color. Another way to identify them is the feces. It is often pepper-like specks around nest areas or on walls. The Brownbanded cockroach is similar in size and color, but has light-colored bands on the wings. The coloration is more noticeable on adults than nymphs.

4. Identify the site where you spotted the pest. If it is in a basement or an area that has water leakage, it is likely an Oriental cockroach. They thrive in areas with high moisture or humid, cool conditions. American and Brownbanded cockroaches enter kitchen areas to feed on food debris and water sources. Keeping the kitchen area sanitary discourages invasions.

5. Look around sluggish streams and ponds choked with seaweed to spot a true water bug. They grow up to 2.5 inches in length and live in aquatic conditions.

Tips & Warnings

• Eliminate "waterbugs" by repairing leaky plumbing. Use a dehumidifier to make the environment unsuitable for the pest.

• Use cockroach baits, boric acid, aerosol sprays or insect growth regulators to eliminate cockroaches in your home. Prevention tactics are important to avoid infestations. Eliminate their food and water sources and seal or caulk holes, gaps, cracks or crevices in the exterior of your home or around plumbing.

References

• New York State Integrated Pest Management: Found a Cockroach?
• Virginia Cooperative Extension; American Cockroach; Rachael C. Perrott, et al; March 2010
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln; See a Roach? Identify It Before You Treat; Barb Ogg, PhD.; June 2008

Resources

• Uiversity of Kentucky Entomology; Giant Water Bugs; Blake Newton; May 2004