Let’s face it, seeing water bugs in your house is a nightmare that most homeowners hope to avoid. These creepy crawlers are known for their pincers, which they use to grasp prey or shelter surfaces. The big question is how do you get rid of water bugs? The good news is that there are several natural remedies that you can use to keep these pesky pests from making your home their permanent residence. Here are some simple home remedies to help you get rid of water bugs naturally.
How To Get Rid of Water Bugs
1. Use Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are tiny aquatic organisms. It’s commonly used as a gardening and farming product, but it also works to repel water bugs because of its abrasive texture. Diatomaceous earth works by irritating the water bugs’ exoskeleton, causing them to lose their grip and move on. The downside is that you have to reapply it frequently because it only works when dry.
2. Use Vinegar and Soap
Vinegar and soap are other simple solutions that can help you get rid of water bugs quickly. Mix one part vinegar with two parts warm water in a spray bottle, then add in one teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Spray this mixture onto your walls, around your windowsills, and on any other areas where you’ve seen signs of water bug activity. Not only does this solution smell good, but it also breaks down the waxy coating on the water bug’s exoskeleton and causes them to dehydrate quickly. This mixture should be effective for about three days before reapplication will be necessary.
3. Try Using Cedar Oil
Cedar oil is another excellent option for repelling these pests naturally because it smells very unpleasant to most insects, including water bugs. To use this remedy effectively against these pests, mix two tablespoons of cedar oil with two cups of hot water in a spray bottle. Spray this solution around the perimeter of your house and on the outside of windows and doors to keep them from getting inside.
4. Try Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great way to get rid of water bugs because it’s non-toxic and inexpensive. It also absorbs moisture, which makes it an effective remedy for preventing these pests from entering your home. Sprinkle some baking soda near entry points, such as cracks in your foundation, around windowsills, and along door frames. The baking soda will absorb any moisture that’s present, making it more difficult for water bugs to enter your home through these entry points.
5. Use Diatomaceous Earth Dusters
Diatomaceous earth dusters are a convenient option for applying diatomaceous earth because they’re easily accessible and easy to use. You can find this product at most hardware stores and garden centers, as well as online if you want to buy in bulk to save money. To use a diatomaceous earth duster effectively against water bugs, simply place some diatomaceous earth into the duster container and shake it gently until you have a fine powder that resembles talcum powder or baby powder in consistency. Then simply dust all over your walls, window sills, floors, and any other areas where water bugs are likely to be found inside your home or office building. This dust will kill water bugs on contact because it’s made of fossilized remains of marine organisms that are sharp and abrasive to the waxy coating on the water bug’s exoskeleton. It also dehydrates the insect, killing it in a short period of time.
What are water bugs?
- Water bugs are terrestrial insects that live in moist ecosystems, including water and damp areas of forests. They have a flat body and can grow to be quite large. These insects have long antennae, which they use to locate prey, as well as pincers or mandibles that they use to grasp their prey.
- Water bugs are nocturnal creatures and come out at night to hunt for food. In the daytime, you’re unlikely to see them unless you turn on a bright light in the middle of your home.
- The most common species of water bug is the true water bug or also known as the “toe biter” which is scientifically known as Lethocerus Americans. This species can reach up to one inch in length and has a flat shape that allows it to hide between walls and cracks where it waits for unsuspecting prey.
- Other species of water bugs found in homes include the giant water bug, which is scientifically known as Belostoma aluminum, because it lives near bodies of fresh water; brown marmorated stink bug or Halyomorpha halys; and shield-backed nymphs or Nepa cinerea.
Natural Remedies To Get Rid of Water Bugs
1. Boric Acid
Boric acid is an inexpensive, non-toxic solution that helps you get rid of water bugs. The powder is commonly used for killing roaches and ants, but it also works on water bugs. The best part about this remedy is that it’s easy to apply. Simply sprinkle the powder in areas where you see water bugs. Keep in mind that boric acid does not kill immediately, so you may need to reapply after a few days or a week if the infestation is severe.
2 . Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another great natural remedy for getting rid of water bugs. This vinegar has been known to kill cockroaches and ants, so it should be able to get rid of the smaller pests as well. Mix one part of apple cider vinegar with four parts of warm water and spray on the affected areas in your home. Let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes before wiping it up with a sponge or cloth. You can use this solution on hard surfaces as well as carpets and rugs. Be sure to keep pets out of the area while you are treating it with apple cider vinegar as they may try licking it off their paws or fur!
3 . Cedar Oil
Cedar oil can help repel many pests including roaches, ants, spiders, fleas, and ticks—and yes—water bugs are included! The oil comes from cedar trees which are known for repelling insects naturally without harmful side effects on humans and pets. Simply mix one tablespoon of cedar oil with one pint of water in a spray bottle, then spray on surfaces where you see water bugs. Cedar oil is a very effective natural remedy for getting rid of water bugs, but it may need to be reapplied after a few weeks or so to maintain effectiveness.
4 . Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is another powder that you can use to get rid of water bugs. It is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are one-celled plants that lived in the oceans thousands of years ago. The powder works by drying out the exoskeleton of insects and causing them to die from dehydration. It does not kill immediately as boric acid does, but it can be effective if you need something that will keep pests away for several months or longer.
5 . Neem Oil
Neem oil comes from the neem tree, which grows in India and other tropical regions around the world. This oil has been used for thousands of years in ayurvedic medicine as an anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal agent. It also has the added benefit of repelling a variety of insects including roaches and ants and yes water bugs are included! To use neem oil as a natural remedy for getting rid of water bugs, simply mix four tablespoons with two cups of warm water then pour into a spray bottle. Spray on surfaces where you see pests frequently to keep them away.
6 . Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil is another option for getting rid of water bugs, but it is not as effective as the other remedies listed here. To use cinnamon oil to repel these pests, mix two tablespoons of the oil with two cups of warm water in a spray bottle, then spray wherever you see water bugs. You can also combine cinnamon oil with cedar oil to make a more potent solution for getting rid of these pests.
Conclusion
Water bugs are not the most glamorous of pests to have around your house, but they are one of the most common and annoying. If you have them in your home, you will want to get rid of them as soon as possible. While many people think that they can do it on their own, it is best to contact a professional pest control service instead. They have all of the tools and knowledge necessary to eliminate these pests quickly and safely while keeping your family safe from harm at the same time.
