How to Identify Cockroaches & Water Bugs

Cockroaches can be tougher to deal with than water bugs.

Water bugs and cockroaches can be mistaken for each other. This is partly because they look similar and partly because people are not really aware of the distinct behaviors, preferences and habitats of each type of insect. When you find either cockroaches or water bugs in or around your home, you might feel it's important to know exactly what you're dealing with. By doing a few simple assessments, you will likely be able to identify the insect accurately.

Instructions

1. Factor in whether or not you found the insect in water. Water bugs are aquatic or semi-aquatic and are likely to be found near pools of water. Cockroaches are not aquatic insects at all.

2. Check out the atmosphere of where the insect was found. Cockroaches prefer moist environments, but not pools of water. This is because they are attracted to humidity. Cockroaches are also much more likely to be found inside your home, while water bugs are more likely to be outside in a marshy or wet area. However, water bugs can be found in a wet cellar or crawlspace.

3. Take the temperature of the area where you found the insect. If it's a water bug, the temperature is likely to be below 84 degrees Fahrenheit, while cockroaches prefer warmer temperatures.

4. Look carefully at the insect you're dealing with. Water bugs are more likely to be a black or very dark brown color. A cockroach tends to be more of an orange-brown color. The legs of water bugs are also more paddle-like than that of a cockroach and not covered in spines.

References

• Orkin: Difference Between a Waterbug and a Cockroach

Resources

• University of Minnesota: Cockroaches
• University of Kentucky: Giant Water Bugs