Forum
« Looking for custom shutters... Doors for Rental Apartments »
March 4, 2008
Prepping for a summer attack! Waterbugs.
My neighbor has been digging on and off in his basement to make an apt. down there for two years. He still hasn't poured cement. Last summer, HUGE waterbugs raced all over the the front and side of his building at night (including in and out of a huge crack above his front door). I have called 311 to no avail. During summer, we saw at least two a week in our otherwise pest-free apt. It was harrowing.
I can't find the opening they are entering through, but think it may be the air conditioners. Are there any home remedies/scents that keep them away? Any electronic devices that really work?
Comments
Gross! Waterbugs are so much more disgusting than roaches. Sorry.
Posted by: guest at March 4, 2008 11:39 AM
- fill all holes, they can flatten out to a nickel's width
- our cats killed & chased them away when we moved in
- they like to eat old glue
Posted by: guest at March 4, 2008 11:45 AM
I feel for you. I have these on occassion also and keep an immaculate apartment. Every time I see one, it takes a year off my life.
The good news is that these are not from an infestation like the other "german" roaches(Done some reading). These are more the outdoor type "American" that happen to find their way inside. That's why you've only seen a couple vs the hundreds or thousands you'd see if you really had a roach problem.
I just picked up some boric acid which is supposed to help tremendously. You can get it at a hardware store or duane reade even I think.
It's a powder that gets caught on their bodies and poisons them. Put it anywhere where they might walk...behind the stove, refrigeration, around cracks.
I'm hoping it does the trick for me.
Also, don't leave dishes in the sink. They love water, hence the name.
Posted by: guest at March 4, 2008 11:52 AM
I agree that boric acid works wonders - however, do be aware that it is hazardous for kids and pets.
Posted by: guest at March 4, 2008 12:30 PM
If he's digging out his basement without the benefit of structural advice, a permit, and the oversight of the DOB (which, reading between the lines, he probably is), waterbugs could potentially be the least of your problems. When his house shifts or collapses from a lack of underpinning under his party wall and/or exterior wall foundations you AND the bugs could be homeless. I know he's your neighbor and all, and you're probably loathe to make waves, but this is something you need to address for your own safety, both physical and financial.
Posted by: johnife at March 4, 2008 12:32 PM
Yeah, I thought the same thing, John Ife. The waterbugs are the least of the problems if the guy is digging without permits or oversight, DIY all by himself over a period of years. A large storm or hurricane (we are in a hurricane zone) would turn that basement of his to mud and cause major damage.
Call the DOB. Not 311. Like, now.
Posted by: guest at March 4, 2008 12:47 PM
Raid sells this brown goop in a syringe like tube Im sure its extremely toxic but if you can put it in out of the way places, it should help a lot.
Posted by: Mrs. Limestone at March 4, 2008 1:35 PM
There are also glue pads made for waterbugs.
Posted by: denton at March 4, 2008 3:11 PM
Boric Acid will do the trick its the best kept secret its cheap ans when the bugs walk on it the others eat it of them and they die. Also if you put a dehumidifier in the basement and keep it dry down thier u will never see one. They like humid and wet spots
Posted by: guest at March 4, 2008 3:20 PM
we moved in a duplex brownstone this summer and had many - even saw a couple during the winter.
i've spent so much money on an exterminator - and still had them.
because of our landlords neglect of his basement - it became our problem - my landlord ignored our complaints - and we are paying 5,000 a month.
those very large boxes helped as did the de-humidifier.. onto the hard stuff - i think i'll try the brown goop.
Posted by: guest at March 4, 2008 3:58 PM
They're an exotic delicacy when deep fried and with tabasco, which might save mankind in the future when all the soylent green and most living forms are gone.
Posted by: guest at March 4, 2008 4:30 PM
The large Combat trays for "Palmetto" bugs work very well. Get a few boxes, and put the trays down in the basement, and where you have found them in the house. You have to change them every three months.
Posted by: guest at March 4, 2008 6:44 PM
Try diatomaceous earth. It's all natural and safe. It works on the same principle as boric acid, yet is safe for use around children and pets. Diatomaceous earth is also a popular remedy to kill bed bugs.
Posted by: guest at March 4, 2008 6:54 PM
do you know where to get the diatomaceous earth?
Posted by: guest at March 4, 2008 7:33 PM
best: a bodega cat
very good: Home Defense-perimeter control spray from home depot
good: boric acid or poison discs
not good: 99cent store spray
Posted by: guest at March 4, 2008 11:00 PM
you can get diatomaceous earth at a pool supply store.
Posted by: guest at March 5, 2008 1:17 PM
I contacted a site called "Dirtworks" for the diatomaceous earth; I would not recommend using them. Try Perma-Guard Inc. in Albuquerque, NM. and specify food grade.
Posted by: guest at March 5, 2008 6:12 PM
Boric acid is an organic product and should not be harmful for pets or children. Also when you apply Boric acid you have to use a very very very light layer they will not walk on it if they know it is there. Home-defense works good for outside but may be a little to strong for inside use. My neighbor has a bunch of those railroad ties and waterbugs swarm to those things in the summer. Its disgusting so I have had to become somewhat of a professional when it comes to getting rid of them. If you are looking for organic use Boric Acid if you are looking to not see them and know they are dead bomb your house (sucks and takes a lot of work to clean up after but it definetly works).
Posted by: guest at March 26, 2008 3:31 AM
We have 'em. First got them 6 years ago when the water heater wore out and started leaking. My exterminator (21st Cent. Pest Elimination Corp.) explained that water bugs can't live 24 hrs without moisture, so thier presence usually indicates a leak of some sort. Then I found out our roof needed replacement, as moisture finally discolored some walls near the roof, but it was not evident from examining the roof. There are still some, but much less. I'm now thinking of them as early warning signs indicating water problems of some sort. Helpers in a weird sort of way ???
Posted by: handygirl at April 7, 2008 9:09 PM
I get waterbugs too, they've freaked me out my entire life. I couldn't think of anything to do, so I just tried to scald them and it worked! If they're any in the sink, I heat up a filled teapot and when it's whistling I take the teapot off the stove and pour the water wherever I think they might be. It killed pretty well. I don't think that'll work anywhere but the sink/bath/shower, though. It'd be a little messy.
Posted by: guest at July 27, 2008 9:33 AM
Boric Acid..it will make ALL insects go away forever...I used to work for an exterminator and my biggest fear on life is the big black/brown water bugs...the owner told me once if the general public knew about boric acid, there would never be any need for exterminators! Try it. It works 100%! These bugs come up from shower & bath drains as well as sink drains and through pipes and air conditioners...put a thin stip at the baseboards and all around the outside of your home....100%
Posted by: Lizzietish at October 8, 2008 1:45 AM
Post a comment
Please be patient while your comment is published. It may take a moment.