![]() ![]() Cockroaches tend to be a lighter color of brown. Waterbugs are much darker in color and they range from dark brown to black. So, if you see a few together, then they are most likely cockroaches. Waterbugs don’t congregate in groups like cockroaches tend to do. They use their legs as paddles to propel themselves forward. Waterbugs are often found near water and bodies of water and you may even see them swimming in your swimming pool. There are 3 main characteristics that can help you identify waterbugs from cockroaches: However, because both look similar and there are different ways of getting rid of the large insects, it still might not be easy to tell them apart. So, there is a big difference between the habitats, diet, and activities of waterbugs and cockroaches. 4 How to Differentiate Between Waterbugs and Cockroaches Waterbugs develop into adults in about 2 months and may live for a year or longer. They can live for another year in the adult stage. The University of Florida says that cockroaches take about 1 ½ years to grow from the egg stage to become an adult. Unless you kill off waterbugs or cockroaches quickly, they can live for up to a year or even longer if they have enough food and water to feed on. This will attract the bugs and will make it harder to get rid of the pesky insects for good. One way to avoid a cockroach infestation and prevent waterbugs from entering into your home is to never leave out leftover food or drink. They will also feed on book bindings, cardboard, and leather. They eat meat, cheese, pastry, grain products, and chocolate. According to the World Health Organization, cockroaches like to eat decaying matter and starchy items. They then suck up the liquefied tissue.Ĭockroaches are scavengers that will feed on a variety of different kinds of foods. 6 They kill their prey by biting into them and secreting enzymes which dissolve body tissue. The website says that waterbugs prey and feed on small fish, frogs, snakes, and turtles. There is a large difference in the diet of waterbugs and cockroaches. 5īoth roaches and waterbugs are more active at night and will be attracted to bright lights. Cockroaches can be found under sinks, in basements, garages, and behind baseboards. The University of Minnesota says that depending on the species of cockroach, some prefer humid conditions whereas others prefer cooler areas. 4Ĭockroaches usually live in dark, damp crevices near sources of food and water. They hold onto plants near the surface and prey on other bugs, small fish, and frogs. According to, water bugs like slowly moving water where there is vegetation growing. ![]() Waterbugs are commonly found around bodies of water like swimming pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams. 3 The bite can cause the skin to become inflamed, swollen, and itchy. However, a forensic medical journal stated that roaches will bite humans and cause skin injury. The reason for this is that the saliva in a waterbug bite contains chemicals which are used to paralyze their prey.Ĭockroaches rarely bite humans. But, if they do, their bite can cause excruciating pain and even numbness around the bite. 1 Although, according to an environmental journal, it’s rare that waterbugs bite. According to the Encyclopedia of Entomology, bites from waterbugs can produce a burning sensation that lasts several hours. Waterbugs can bite humans if they are disturbed or provoked. Let’s look in more detail at some other characteristics of what a true waterbug is and how you can identify them. However, thankfully, both types of insects rarely fly. Waterbugs are usually much larger than cockroaches, even the large palmetto bug.īoth waterbugs and cockroaches have wings and can fly if they need to. On the other hand, waterbugs tend to be darker and their antennae aren’t as visible as cockroaches. Roaches are generally brownish in color and have long protruding antennae. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |