When summertime rolls around, so do the bugs. Insects buzz and crawl all around us, and some of them even manage to bite us. Do water bugs bite? What kind of bites do water bugs give? Are they dangerous? Let’s take a closer look at these pesky critters to find out.
What are WaterBugs?
Waterbugs are insects that live in watery habitats. They look like cockroaches but are much smaller. Most of them are found in relatively cool climates, although some can be found near the seaside as well. They are typically brown or black in color and have flat bodies which makes it easy for them to float on water surfaces.
Also, their breathing system is similar to that of a fish – they breathe through external gills. There are many different types of waterbugs, each with its own unique details about appearance and habitat. However, most often people mistake giant water bugs for common cockroaches because both creatures have flat bodies and brownish skin.
READ MORE: Top Natural Ways To Get Rid of Waterbugs.
Do Waterbug Bites?
Waterbugs can bite humans, although it’s not very common to get bitten by one. They usually won’t attack unless you come too close to them or their eggs. Also, these bugs aren’t poisonous and don’t carry any diseases that can harm human health.
Do waterbug bites hurt?
Waterbugs are not actually cockroaches. They may look similar but they sure do not act like them.
For example, giant water bugs are known to bite humans when threatened. Their bites will hurt for a while, but nothing out of the ordinary. The pain is like that which you might feel if you were bitten by an ant or any other bug of this size.
You can get rid of it with some ice or painkillers; there’s no need to worry too much about it since the pain only lasts for minutes. However, if your skin got punctured during the biting session (which can happen easily because their mouths are quite big), you might feel more serious discomfort due to infection and inflammation around the wound. This would require more care and you might want to consult a doctor about it.
Another important thing to know about giant water bugs is that they are not at all dangerous, despite their size and ability to bite humans. They can be aggressive when threatened, but this does not actually pose any threat to humans.
These creatures only bite people in self-defense; if you leave them alone, they will prefer to swim away than attack you. Also, some species of these bugs do not even feed on blood.
Giant water bugs that suck blood usually prey on small vertebrates such as fish and amphibians: sometimes they eat plants too. So if one of them bites you by mistake (i.e., while hunting for its usual food), you will not have to worry about contracting any disease or virus. The wound will heal perfectly fine. It cannot infect your body in any way.
READ MORE: How to Treat Bed Bug Bites.
Do giant water bugs bite animals?
These bugs do not intentionally hunt down large animals like dogs and cats, but since their taste buds are designed exclusively for blood proteins (and other invertebrates), they just cannot resist the smell of meat around them.
They try to pierce through whatever animal they find in order to suck its blood. This does not mean that they are out there hunting pets or other animals every night, but if you have a pet, there are chances that it will get bitten by accident.
Are Water Bugs Bites Harmful?
A common reaction to a water bug bite is swelling of the skin around the site of the sting or bite. In some cases, this reaction may be accompanied by intense pain at the site which will last for several hours. There have been rare instances where people have experienced allergic reactions after being bitten by waterbugs.
Symptoms that may indicate an allergic reaction include rash, hives and difficulty of breathing. People who are experiencing these symptoms after being bitten should seek medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to treat the symptoms yourself without consulting a doctor first.
Water Bug Bites Treatment.
For most people who have been bitten by water bugs, common sense treatment will suffice unless signs of more intense reactions are present which would require medical attention. Taking some antihistamines, reducing swelling at the site of the bite usually provides relief for patients who have reacted to bug bites. Do remember that over-the-counter medication should only be used if you do not have any underlying conditions that may complicate your condition following a water bug bite.
To deal with the pain associated with bug bites, an ice pack can be applied at the site of the bite for approximately 10 minutes every hour. This will help reduce swelling and inflammation around the area. Do not rub the area where you have been bitten by water bugs as it may increase irritation and swelling of the affected area.
If you are feeling nauseous, take small sips of ginger ale or another non-alcoholic carbonated drink to ease nausea. Do remember to keep yourself hydrated while recovering from a bug bite by drinking plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty. Do note that children and babies should be given more frequent sips than adults because they expend more energy in small activities such as crying and playing around.
If possible, rise your legs so as to reduce swelling in your ankles and lower legs caused by standing for long periods during your recovery period. Do remember however that this is only applicable if you are suffering from swelling in your ankles and legs. Do not attempt this method of treatment should you suffer from swelling around other parts of your body or face.
If the area where you have been bitten is itchy, try applying calamine lotion to the affected area which will reduce itchiness. Do note that do not attempt to scratch the site where you were bitten because it may worsen the condition by causing infection at the site of bug bite.
Are Water Bugs Poisonous?
It is important to stress out that not all species of giant water bugs are dangerous or poisonous for humans. Some can even be used as an ingredient in the food. However, there are several species that have very painful bites, so it would be wise not to go near them if you can avoid them.
The bite itself is similar to a bee sting, which means you need some painkillers and the itching sensation around the wound will pass soon after your skin gets damaged.
This is quite simple! Simply avoid touching these creatures because they usually do not attack people without reason (unless they feel threatened). Also, keep your distance from any wild animal.
READ MORE: Do Cockroaches Bite? All the Information You Need.
Who Is at Risk for Waterbug Bites?
Basically, anyone may experience giant water bug bites if he or she comes into contact with these creatures. Keep in mind that humans usually don’t go close enough to become prey for giant water bugs, so most times it happens when people accidentally touch one of these animals while swimming, diving
What attracts water bugs in the house?
These creatures are usually found in hot, wet places near lakes or rivers. As mentioned before, they feed on tiny invertebrates that inhabit the same areas where giant water bugs live. Keep in mind that these critters are aquatic bugs, meaning that they spend most of their time in the water (even when it is very cold).
However, large adults can climb onto land if there is nothing to eat in the river/lake area; they simply go on dry rocks and wait for an opportunity to attack some animal around them. If you want to repel these bugs from your backyard or any other place where you like spending time (such as a garden), make sure to it clean and free of grass and leaves that can attract tiny insects and other invertebrates.
Precautions to take when handling these creatures:
It is pretty simple – you should be cautious and avoid any contact with giant water bugs (or any bug, for that matter). If you do not think you can prevent your pets or kids from touching one of these critters, make sure they know about the dangers of this type of insect; teach them how to protect themselves if they spot a bug. However, keep in mind that getting nipped by a bug will not cause much damage.
Why Do Water Bugs Bite?
There are several reasons why giant water bugs attack humans:
1. If they feel threatened – like most living creatures (even humans), giant water bugs want to protect themselves and their habitat from anything that could harm them;
2. If they are hungry – just like every other animal, giant water bugs do not attack people if they are full. However, if there is any potential prey around, these creatures will give it a go;
3. If you got too close to their eggs – this part can be very dangerous because giant water bugs protect their offspring until they become big enough to deal with predators on their own.
It depends on the species of bug and what part of your body has been bitten. Giant water bugs inject digestive juices into their prey which help them dissolve the skin around the wound before sucking out all available fluids from the place where they get nipped. It is best to avoid any contact with this kind of bug in the wild.