How to Get Rid of Water Bugs in Your House

If you've turned on the basement light and seen a big, dark, shiny bug run for the drain, you've probably met what most people call a "water bug." In New Jersey homes, that's usually not a true water bug at all. It's a cockroach.

What is a "water bug"?

Most of the time, a "water bug" in the house is an oriental cockroach. Penn State Extension says they're often called water bugs because they like dark, damp, cool places.

How to recognize one, according to Penn State:

• About 1 inch long
• Very dark brown, almost black, with a greasy shine
• Males have short wings but can't fly; females have tiny wing pads
• Slow and sluggish, and rarely found on walls, in high cabinets or on upper floors

The other big roach people call a water bug is the American cockroach. It's reddish-brown, about an inch and a half long, and has a yellowish band behind the head. It also likes basements, drains and sewers.

True water bugs, the giant water bugs that live in ponds, sometimes fly to porch lights in summer. They don't live or breed in houses.

Where water bugs hide

Oriental cockroaches stay close to moisture. Penn State lists places like:

• Drains
• Damp basements and crawl spaces
• Under sinks and washing machines
• Under porches
• Outside, in mulch, under leaves and around trash areas

They also gather around basement and crawl space leaks. If you're seeing them, there's almost always moisture nearby.

How to get rid of water bugs

1. Dry things out. Penn State calls cutting down on food, moisture and hiding spots the first step. Fix leaks, run a dehumidifier in the basement, and make sure gutters and downspouts carry water away from the foundation.

2. Seal the way in. Caulk around pipes under sinks, and seal gaps where pipes and wires come through the foundation. Put screens over floor drains and make sure doors close tight at the bottom.

3. Clean up outside. Pull mulch and leaves back from the foundation and keep trash cans away from the house.

4. Use baits, not bug bombs. Baits placed where the roaches hide work well. Penn State notes that foggers are of little value and can scatter the roaches.

5. Keep drains wet or capped. A floor drain that dries out can let roaches come up from the sewer side. Pour water down unused drains now and then.

Are water bugs dangerous?

They don't bite or sting, but cockroaches crawl through drains and garbage and can carry bacteria onto surfaces. One in the basement now and then is a sign to fix moisture. Seeing them often, or in the kitchen, means it's time to call.

When to call

If you're seeing water bugs regularly, we'll find where they're coming from, treat the hiding spots and point out the moisture problems to fix. See roach control and our cockroach ID guide, or call (732) 527-5770.

Common questions

Is a water bug a cockroach? In most New Jersey homes, yes. The "water bug" in the basement is usually an oriental cockroach.

Why do I have water bugs in my house? Moisture. They live in damp basements, drains and crawl spaces.

Can water bugs fly? Oriental cockroaches can't fly. American cockroaches can glide short distances.

How do I get rid of water bugs in my basement? Fix leaks and humidity, seal gaps around pipes and drains, and use baits where they hide.