If this looks like your kitchen, you have a big problem. RHJPhtotos / Shutterstock
To prevent pest infestations, remove food sources and seal entry points. Keep kitchens clean, store food in airtight containers, and fix leaks near plumbing.
Water bugs typically stay outdoors, but may appear near lights or in swimming pools. Because they prefer aquatic environments, removing standing water can help.
For roaches, pest control often involves bait stations, traps, and professional extermination—especially if large numbers are found indoors.
So while they may look alike at first glance, cockroaches and water bugs are very different pests with unique behaviors, diets, and health implications.
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
