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 in response to Prepping for a summer attack! Waterbugs.

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 in response to Prepping for a summer attack! Waterbugs.

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 in response to Prepping for a summer attack! Waterbugs.