How to get rid of waterbugs or sewer roaches?

Question: We get these bugs — some people call them sewer roaches, and others call them water bugs. How do we get rid of them? They come out in the summer time, from drains in homes and drains in the streets. I get them bad outside my home, especially when it rains. They come in from under the doors. They’re huge and they run fast. It’s hard to catch them and kill them. Even if you do catch them, you hate to step on them because they are so big.

Answer: They generally prefer to live outdoors but can invade into basements or other damp, dark areas. They may be found in bathtubs and in kitchen sinks, and even can crawl in through sewer drain pipes.

How to Get Rid of Waterbugs or Cockroaches

Control of these cockroaches is best with the use of several techniques. Potential cockroach food, water, and shelter sources should be reduced as well as exclusion and sealing of crack/crevices. Product application also may be used such as cockroach baits if needed. Success of products often relies on proper selection and placement. It is best to leave the job to a professional. You can help your Pest Specialist by following their recommendations on ways to cut down or eliminate conditions cockroaches find attractive. After that, the Pest Specialist will carry out treatments if needed.

Call your local Orkin branch office, and an Orkin Pest Specialist will come to your home. They will conduct a very thorough inspection of your premises, assess the situation and develop a customized highly effective treatment plan that will fit your needs.

Related Questions

Orkin used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users:

Question: What does a water bug look like?

Question: What is the difference between a water bug and a cockroach?

Question: I have a major water bug problem in the basement. They are huge and starting to move to other parts of the house. What can I do and how much will it cost? Yesterday when moving my trash cans (they sit outside) there were literally 10 of them that scattered from underneath the trash can. I hate bugs and worry about this problem. Please instruct me on things that can be done. Can you give me an estimate without coming out, and if you need to come out can it be treated in the same day?

Question: Why do water bugs come in the house? I found three in my house in the last two weeks. Please tell me about them and what to do about them. I have never seen this in my house before. Why do they come inside, and where did they come from? I found one on the paper towel holder, one in the basket where I keep notes and the last one in my daughter's room.