Very few of us are experts when it comes to identifying and distinguishing between cockroaches and water bugs. While they may look the same, there are distinguishable differences. In this article we will learn the difference between cockroach vs water bug.
- Cockroaches are brownish and reddish
- Water bugs are a bit brown but more grayish
- Water bugs can be found where near water
Let’s learn more about the differences between these two insects and how to get rid of them.
Cockroach vs Water Bug: Battle of The Crawlies
While cockroaches and waterbugs appear to look very much the same, there are some biological differences:
Waterbugs
As mentioned above, waterbugs are brown and more grayish than roaches are, so they are a bit dull in appearance. Waterbugs are almost always found around areas where there is water or in damp places with a lot of moisture.
Waterbugs may also be a bit more aggressive than cockroaches and bite if you disturb them or hold them in your hand, particularly the large ones!
Waterbugs may also be a bit more aggressive than cockroaches and bite if you disturb them or hold them in your hand, particularly the large ones!
They also have fully functional wings, meaning water bugs can fly, while some species of cockroach cannot.
Three are two sizes of waterbugs, the normal size which is mostly a little bigger than Oriental cockroaches, and the giant ones. These larger water bugs are about double the size in length and width of the Oriental cockroaches.
Water bugs may also invade areas where there is water inside your homes, such as bathrooms and kitchens. This is also why people may confuse water bugs for cockroaches and use the wrong methods to get rid of them.
Cockroaches
It is important to know that the cockroaches we normally find in our homes are the Oriental cockroach species, though the German and American cockroaches are also common.
All species cockroaches are commonly found near water, so people may think cockroaches are water bugs. Cockroaches are mostly shy insects and prefer darker and damp spaces to hide from other creatures and group together.
Cockroaches are a major annoyance, and are incredibly tenacious. They are very hard to get rid of, can be found in many buildings, restaurants, and establishments across the world — they are everywhere!
The most common places where you may find cockroaches in a home in kitchens near food, places where food is left out, and near pet food areas.
The most common places where you may find cockroaches in a home in kitchens near food, places where food is left out, and near pet food areas.
But let’s compare these two insects to see how they differ from each other.
| Water Bug | Cockroach | |
| Color | Grayish brown | Reddish brown |
| Length | 25 to 38mm | 15 to 30mm |
| Antennae | No | Yes |
| Legs | 6 | 6 |
| Body Shape | A bit wider at the back | Long and narrow but wider at the back |
| Flight? | Yes | Yes and No (oriental cockroaches) |
| Habitat | Near ponds, lights, lakes, swimming pools | Dark, indoors |
| Behavior | Solitary, except during mating season | In groups |
| Diet | Algae, other insects | Scavenger |
| Bite? | Yes | Not really |
The Main Differences Between Roaches and Water Bugs
There are a few differences between these two types of insects, so you do not confuse them with each other.
1. Size
While there are larger species of water bugs and cockroaches, the normal size water bug and oriental cockroaches are quite similar in physical size.
Water Bugs are a bit larger than those home-invading oriental cockroaches we are so familiar with and can be found in our homes.
2. Body Shape
Cockroaches are mostly flat and have oval bodies with long antennae at the front of their heads. Cockroaches also have hairy-looking legs because of the spines that cover their legs and have downfacing heads.
The water bug’s heads are lifted a bit higher, and their legs seem to be smooth with no hair on them. Their front legs are clawed and located more forward and not to the sides, as with cockroaches. Water bugs have no antennae.
Water bugs also have a short pointed beak and a piercing mouth, while cockroaches are a bit rounded at the front. You will also find that water bugs will fly from one water body to another, while some species of cockroaches can not fly.
3. Habitat
Water bugs will dwell in places where there is a lot of water, like closer to swimming pools and ponds. They will also prefer lighter and open spaces, whereas cockroaches prefer darker and damp spaces where they can hide out of sight.
Cockroaches prefer indoor places where they can hide from the winter cold, while water bugs prefer outdoor places.
Waterbugs are not afraid of light, while cockroaches will run away from light. That is why you see them scurrying when you turn the lights on. It’s hard to get back to sleep after seeing that!
4. Behavior
You will find that waterbugs dwell alone while cockroaches prefer to group in one place. That is why they say if you find one cockroach, chances are there will be many times more hidden away close by.
A solitary water bug is normal, but you can hunt around if you see one cockroach. You surely will find more of them hiding.
5. Eating Habits
While cockroaches are scavengers and will eat any food you have left out, water bugs eat other insects and algae. Cockroaches will eat anything, even rotten food, and dead roaches, while water bugs may occasionally feed on garbage, but they are mostly predators.
This means that water bugs will feed on smaller insects and rather feed on plants than old food and other things.
How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches
A lot of research has been done to find methods to get rid of cockroaches that invaded our homes. While there are several commercial products you can buy, here is a list of easy chemical-free methods to get rid of them:
- Baking soda and sugar
- Boric acid
- Fabric Softener spray
- Lemon juice and lemon peels
- Bay leaves
- Coffee traps
While these are easy and cheap methods to use, they are not all that effective and may take some time.
How To Get Rid Of Water Bugs
Many commercial pesticides are also available to get rid of water bugs, as is the case with cockroaches. Many easy methods for cockroaches may also help get rid of water bugs, such as baking soda and boric acid.
Many commercial pesticides are also available to get rid of water bugs, as is the case with cockroaches.Â
Conclusion
At first glance, water bugs and roaches are very similar. They are similar size and scale, and move in a similar manner. But they are different creatures. The easiest way to tell them apart is to look for the antenna.
If you happen to find one or more of these in your house… get to work!
