How To Easily Remove Water Bugs From Your Home
Do you have a water bug infestation? Sometimes, it can be hard to differentiate a water bug from other types of insects. However, there are a few characteristics to look out for that can help identify the insect you're dealing with. For instance, water bugs are typically dark brown, oval-shaped critters with long antennae. They also tend to repopulate quickly and will leave egg casings throughout your residence. If it seems that water bugs have invaded your home, you may be wondering what you did to attract this pesty creepy crawly. However, they tend not to discriminate against clean or dirty homes as long as there is a bit of food and a source of water they can survive on.
So, if you've noticed that water bugs have been crawling throughout your property, it may be time to get rid of them before your infestation worsens. This can be an overwhelming task if you're unsure where to start, so we'll break down all the necessary equipment and steps you'll need to take to once again have a home free of water bugs.
Tidy up
Although water bugs may invade a clean or dirty home, it's best to cleanse your residence the best you can to eliminate the different types of grime they can feed on. For instance, you can start by wiping away the scum from the sinks and drains found in your kitchen and bathrooms. And, if you've noticed that the water bugs have primarily been crawling out of a certain drain, you can create a cleaning solution that consists of 1 cup of white vinegar, a half cup of baking soda, and a half cup of salt. Then, pour it down and allow it to work its magic for 24 hours. Once time is up, boil some water and pour it down to simultaneously kill the bugs and clean your pipes.
Next, it's also important to properly maintain the exterior of your home. Water bugs love decomposing leaves, so it's important that you get rid of them as quickly as possible. Additionally, you should always trim down your plants and ensure they don't block your vents because this can cause lower airflow, which leads to moisture and mold building up and attracting insects.
Make repairs and use chemicals
If you notice water bugs are still making their way into your home after you've cleaned your sinks and cleared your yard, then they may be sneaking in through a crack in one of your pipes. So, it's important to identify these entry points and repair them as quickly as possible. While you're at it, you could also fix torn-up window screens and damaged door frames where these insects may be sneaking through.
Lastly, if you notice that the water bugs aren't going away, you may have to also use some sort of chemical treatment. There is a variety of options available, such as gel bait, which can be spread across damaged surfaces or other areas where you've noticed these insects tend to fester. Once it affects one water bug, this poison will quickly transfer to the other insects and eliminate them before they can repopulate.