Cockroach vs Water bug Best 10 Main Differences Explained

Cockroach vs Water bug

The cockroach belongs to the family Blattidae. The cockroaches are found in damp areas, garbage cans, brush and crawl spaces. The cockroach identification includes a flat, oval-shaped body shape. The colour of their round body shape is reddish-brown to black. There are also spiny, jointed and slender legs. The cockroaches possess six hairy legs. These tiny hairs give the legs of the cockroach a sense of touch. The cockroach is not an aquatic insect though these animal species gather in warm, moist areas.

The eating habits of the cockroach include the fact they are not picky in eating. These omnivorous scavengers rely on an organic source available to it. Some cockroach species possess fully developed wings but cannot fly. The cockroach feces are visible during the infestation. However, one can get rid of the cockroach infestation by contacting a local pest control professional. 

On the other hand, water bugs are commonly mistaken for the other insect called oriental cockroaches. The oriental cockroaches are dark brown, black or shiny in colour. The oriental cockroaches are widely called water bug species due to their ability to swell in drains and pipes. The oriental cockroach possesses seasonal developmental cycles, and their adults emerge in warm seasons: the oriental cockroach love to eat decaying animal and plant matter and starchy foods. The water bugs possess an oval-shaped, brown or tan-coloured body. The water bugs prefer to spend most of their time in the water, holding their breath for a long time.

The water bug species are the aquatic insects, living some portion of their life cycles in the water. Unlike roaches, these insects possess clawed front feet, a short antenna, and a piercing mouth. The roaches hide in laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements, and other damp areas in homes. The roaches grow to a body size of about 1-3.” The mating season of these insects is summer, in mid-flight. The water bug kills frogs, small fish, small vertebrae and other insects. 

Cockroach vs Water bug

Although these two insects look similar, differences also exist. The cockroaches do not bite, while water bugs bite if they are threatened. However, cockroaches spread germs and bacteria and trigger allergies in people. They leave a painful bite but are not harmful to humans. Pest determination makes it easy to identify them.

The cockroach and water bug differences also include not being considered pests; in contrast, the cockroach species are common pests found worldwide. Therefore, there is no need to search common pests as they are everywhere. Despite all these facts, people still confuse these insects. There is no need to worry as this blog post has provided exciting facts about cockroach vs water bug to clear people’s minds, as mentioned below;

Cockroach

Water bug

  • The cockroaches possess a flattened oval-shaped body, with a shiny brown or black leathery integument and long, threadlike antennae. The mouthparts point backward instead of downward or forward like other insects, and the head is bent downward. In addition to this, there are long and spiny legs. 
  • The water bugs possess oval-shaped bodies, with flattened rear legs and pincer-like front appendages help them hold and capture prey. The tiny hairs are present that help these species propel through the water. In addition to this, they also have x-shaped wings, short antennae, a piercing mouth and clawed front feet. 
  • The cockroaches are present in various countries worldwide, including Sichuan, Xicheng and southwestern China, breeding almost six million cockroaches a year. These animal species are also native to habitats such as tropical, subtropical and temperate climates all over the world. However, some cockroach species are also present in the Arctic region. 
  • The water bugs are also present in various countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, and the Sub-Himalayan and Himalayan regions of West Bengal, India. At the same time, these insects are also native to habitats such as streams, pools, freshwater ponds, and marshes. They usually hide in vegetation mats under the water surface. 
  • The cockroach varies in color from reddish-brown to black. They possess a body length measuring between one and five centimeters. The smallest of the cockroaches are the brown-banded cockroaches, growing to about ½” in size. Furthermore, these tiny creatures weigh no more than thirty grams.  
  • The water bugs are considered the most significant true bugs in Canada and the United States. They possess a body length of about four inches. Sometimes they are commonly confused with roaches or beetles. The Giant water bug grows up to 12 centimeters. Furthermore, they weigh about three milligrams. 
  • The cockroaches require a proper diet to survive on the earth’s surface to meet their survival needs. These are the omnivorous scavenger creatures, feeding on organic food sources available to them. In addition to this, their primary diet includes books, hair, decaying matter, sweets, meats, starches, and other everyday items. 
  • The water bugs also require proper food to survive on the Earth, like other animal species, to meet their survival needs. Their primary diet consists of algae, fungi, fish, insects, and tiny animals near the water. They also feed on snakes and baby turtles, making them an insectivore or carnivores. 
  • The cockroaches communicate through pheromones that help them transmit various suggestions, messages, and intentions. Furthermore, they can encourage mating, suggest good food sources, warn others about nearby dangers, and invite other roaches to a suitable shelter. These tiny creatures go in groups, exploring the residing area. 
  • The water bugs and water striders use ripples to communicate with each other. However, it is not surprising that the California swarm was vibrations-sensitive produced by “Hey” on repeat. In addition to this, a recent study has shown that these tiny creatures can talk, learning new dialects. 
  • The cockroaches are most active at night, during which these tiny creatures forage mates and food. In the northern United States, the outdoor cockroaches enter a hibernation period in winter and experience a suspended developmental state in autumn. In addition to this, they resume their activity when spring arrives. 
  • The water bugs are also most active at night, like cockroaches. These tiny creatures come out at night, foraging for water and food. These insects are attracted to bright lights, unlike cockroaches. They sometimes stray into houses at night. They leave a painful bite on aggression if these insects feel being disturbed or threatened. 
  • Research has shown that the cockroach species can run up to three miles an hour. It is a breakneck speed for an insect, and they can run as fast as a slow individual walks. These tiny creatures are considered one of the more intelligent insects on the Earth. 
  • The water bugs are considered fast-moving creatures. They are very good at hiding, and hiding in vents, outlets, cupboards and behind appliances. The National Geographic article reports have shown that these insects can run to speeds of a hundred body lengths per second. 
  • The cockroaches live for a specific time, after which they die. For example, adult males can live for about 362 days, and adult females can live for about 700 days in the wild. In contrast to it, these tiny creatures can live for almost five years or more in captivity, depending on suitable habitat. 
  • The water bugs also live for a specific period, like other animal species, after which death occurs. For example, The Giant Water bug’s metamorphosis life cycle is simple; egg to nymph to adult in about one to two months. They can live for one year in the wild, but it gets increased in captivity. 
  • Many predators prey on cockroaches to meet their survival needs. Their primary predators are amphibians (like frogs and toads), small mammals (such as shrews and mice), spiders, beetles, and other insects of arachnids. 
  • The water bugs are also the food source for various animals on the earth’s surface. Their primary predators are fish, birds and other aquatic animals. These creatures resemble dead leaves when they are sitting motionless. 
  • According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, two cockroach species, i.e., Nocticola gerlachi and Delosia ornate, are listed as critically endangered species. 
  • According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, water bugs are not considered the species of most minor concern. 

FAQ’s

Sometimes people get confused and raise questions about cockroaches and water bugs to clear their minds. Therefore, the answers to some of those raised questions are as described below;

Are cockroaches dirty?

There is an excellent link between cockroaches and specific disease outbreaks. They carry bacteria. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, these tiny creatures carry bacteria that can cause streptococcus, staphylococcus and salmonella if deposited on food. 

Conclusion

Various plants and animals are present worldwide, all possessing unique identification characters discriminating against them. The same is the case with the water bug and the cockroach. Although both look similar, differences also exist. There is no need to worry as this blog post provides exciting facts and information about these animals to clear people’s minds. It will help great if you read this article with great care and pay full attention. 

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