Do I have cockroaches or water bugs?

I keep seeing bugs that look like cockroaches in my home. Google tells me these are water bugs. How do I get rid of them?

The terms water bug and cockroach are often used interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing. True water bugs are aquatic roaches that live in water, ponds, and streams, while the “water bugs” most people see indoors or around their property are actually cockroaches—often American cockroaches. 

If you’re spotting large, reddish-brown insects in kitchens, bathrooms, or basements, you’re likely dealing with a cockroach infestation. They enter through drains, under doors, or cracks in foundations, especially in warm or wet weather.

Cockroach vs. water bug: What are the main differences?

It’s common to confuse cockroaches with water bugs, especially since both are large, dark insects that move quickly. But they are very different pests:

• Usually reddish-brown or tan (American cockroach) or dark brown/black (Oriental cockroach)
• Long antennae and a flattened oval-shaped body
• Move quickly and often seen in kitchens, bathrooms, or basements

• Larger, often over 2 inches long
• Dark brown to black in color, with short, pointed beaks
• Have strong front legs for catching prey and flat hind legs adapted for swimming
• Found in ponds, lakes, or streams — not inside homes

How do I get rid of cockroaches in my home?

To help control cockroaches, start with prevention:

• Repair leaky pipes and eliminate standing water
• Keep kitchens and bathrooms clean, with food stored in sealed containers
• Take out trash regularly and avoid leaving pet food exposed
• Seal cracks, gaps, and openings around doors, drains, and utility lines
• Reduce clutter in storage areas, which gives roaches places to hide
   

Professional intervention is the only way to control the problem if you already have an infestation. While DIY sprays or baits may kill a few, they rarely eliminate the problem because roaches can move quickly, hide deep in drains or wall voids, and lay eggs that DIY products often fail to reach. That’s why infestations frequently come back even after repeated home treatments.

Your local Western technician can inspect your home, identify where cockroaches are nesting, and create a roach control plan tailored to your property.