How to Get Rid of Waterbugs

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Look for areas around your home that have food or standing water exposed to the air.

   Remove pet food if possible.
   
   Cockroaches and other bugs can live off of your pet's food.
   
   If possible, organize meal times so that the dog or cat will eat all of their food immediately and you can wash the bowl.
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   Step 2: Place food inside the refrigerator whenever possible.

   If it cannot be refrigerated, place them inside airtight containers. , Trash cans and compost piles that are open to the air will attract, feed and hatch more bugs.
   
   Take out trash daily during roach infestation. , Water bugs live in places that are rarely cleaned and moved.
   
   Recycle newspapers and food containers every week.
   
   Make sure your recycling containers have tight fitting lids over them.
   
   Remove old cardboard boxes.
   
   These are popular hiding places. , Pet water bowls, tarps, glasses of water, plant saucers, bird baths and rainwater can produce inviting places for water bug hatching.
   
   Place a lid over the container of water.
   
   Turn over bird baths, pots and other containers during the rainy season. , Make sure you include kitchen appliances like the toaster, food processor, juicer, grill and other areas where food particles become trapped. , Discourage children from snacking in their rooms or in front of the television. , This will reduce the amount of food available around the house.
   
   Clean the rugs or carpets with soap and water at least once per year. , Make sure to place these items on your to do list immediately.
   
   Cockroaches can stay alive for a long time if they have a constant water source. , Replace these items with tight-fitting items, so that bugs cannot enter. ,, This will remove ways for the water bugs to get in and set up a nest. , Open them to create circulation in damp areas.
   
   Water bugs prefer damp areas, so make sure your home is dry and well-ventilated. , This will help you get rid of the water bug problem in a quick and targeted manner. , Include your dishwasher, bathtub and toilet as well as sinks. , of liquid dish detergent into your pool, if you notice an infestation.
   
   Turn your pump off.
   
   Allow them to die and float to the surface when they get stuck.
   
   Remove them with a pool skimmer several hours later.
   
   Turn the pump back on. , Sprinkle a thin dusting in the area of the water bug infestation.
   
   Wait for the bugs to die and remove them. , The boric acid will seep into their legs and kill them.
   
   Water bugs avoid large clumps of Borax, so make sure it is a very thin dusting. , These traps use a concentrated poison inside a box.
   
   Water bugs are attracted and they die inside the box for safe removal. , If your house is infested with water bugs, you may need to use a more aggressive chemical treatment.
   
   In this case, you will have to evacuate the house and clean kitchen and other surfaces before using.
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   Step 3: Use trash cans with very tight fitting lids.

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   Step 4: Pick up around your house and yard.

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   Step 5: Look for standing water in and outside of the house.

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   Step 6: Deep clean the kitchen with a disinfectant.

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   Step 7: Limit food consumption to a single room in the house.

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   Step 8: Vacuum the dining room regularly.

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   Step 9: Fix leaky faucets inside and out.

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    Step 10: Examine your house for signs of ill-fitting doors or windows.

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    Step 11: Fill in holes in concrete to reduce the accumulation of water.

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    Step 12: Caulk holes in your insulation or walls.

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    Step 13: Place screens on your windows and doors.

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    Step 14: Identify where the nest or nests are located.

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    Step 15: Pour 2 to 4 cups (0.4 to 0.9l) of distilled white vinegar down all of your drains.

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    Step 16: Pour several tbsp.

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    Step 17: Create a mixture of half powdered sugar and half baking soda.

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    Step 18: Dust the area around the nest with Borax.

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    Step 19: Use cockroach traps.

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    Step 20: Call an exterminator.

Detailed Guide

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