Cockroaches and waterbugs are two insects you may find in your home. Both insects look similar in many ways, but they are very different. Cockroaches and waterbugs both pose problems for humans, but in different ways. Neither one should be in your home. Here is more information about the difference between the two insects, how they affect your health, and how to keep them out.

Difference Between Cockroaches and Waterbugs

Many people confuse waterbugs with cockroaches. Most likely the large brown insects you see crawling around your home are cockroaches. One way to tell the difference between the two is that the waterbug's legs are more forward to facilitate swimming or gliding across water. Also, cockroaches have very long antennae. Waterbug antennae are very short and difficult to see. Waterbugs are also more likely to fly.

You are most likely find waterbugs near a water source or high moisture area. They cannot breathe underwater. But they are well-designed to float or swim across the surface without compromising their breathing. While cockroaches need to drink water, they are not designed to swim. If a cockroach falls into a body of water, it will eventually drown if it can't get out.

Health Hazards of Cockroaches and Waterbugs

The main health hazards of cockroaches are that they are filthy and spread germs everywhere. They are attracted to your food stores and will contaminate every surface and food it touches. Waterbugs are more predatory, but they are sometimes attracted to garbage and rotting food. Waterbugs will also bite. These bites are not only painful, but sometimes have complications. They are not poisonous, though.

Prevention of Cockroaches and Waterbugs

Both cockroaches and waterbugs enter your home through unprotected pipes and small openings. Also, cockroaches are attracted to sweets and rotting food, like your garbage. Plug up any potential entryways and keep your trash and food secure. Keep your home spotless so that the roaches must go elsewhere to look for food.

Fix anything that contributes to high moisture, such as leaks, to reduce your home's attractiveness to waterbugs. Also, remove any standing water outside that waterbugs could be attracted to. This also helps to prevent mosquitoes. If you can't clear the water, such as in the case of bird baths, then be sure to refresh the water often and frequently clean those items.

Whether you have a true waterbug or a cockroach invading your home, you need to get rid of them quickly. If you've employed prevention matters and these bugs still keep getting into your home, then you need professional help. Contact a roach control company about eradication and further prevention techniques to keep your home bug free.