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How do I get rid of waterbugs in my house?

I keep finding water bugs in my kitchen at night. I don’t know how they’re getting into my house or how to get rid of them. How do I get rid of waterbugs in my house?

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Patrick Price · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m sorry to hear about your infestation, but I’m afraid I have some bad news. The creatures in your kitchen are almost certainly not waterbugs. They’re probably cockroaches. Roaches are very difficult to eradicate and you’ll probably end up having to hire an exterminator**.
Waterbugs are aquatic insects rarely found out of water. It is extremely unlikely that one would ever find its way into a house. Multiple waterbugs wandering into your home is beyond unlikely. The unpleasant truth is that you probably are dealing with a pest that is far worse: cockroaches.
Cockroaches and waterbugs look very similar, so they’re often confused for one another. A lot of people mistakenly believe that waterbugs are a type of roach, but this is not true. Waterbugs are far less of a nuisance and very unlikely to be seen in your home.
Here’s what you can do to get rid of roaches:
  • Sprinkle diatomaceous earth or baking soda in problem areas. Both of these substances are lethal to roaches and can be purchased at a supermarket. Sprinkle them around the problem area
  • Mix lemon juice with water and use it to mop your floors. Citrus repels roaches. A hint of lemon in your mop water won’t be detectable to humans, but it should drive off roaches
  • Set traps. Use glue strips and bait traps to catch and kill the roaches
  • Hire a professional exterminator. Roach infestations are notoriously difficult to fully eradicate. Your best bet is to get professional help
Keep your home safe from damages that could increase the risk of roach infection by purchasing quality
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