Waterbug Control: How to Get Rid of Waterbugs In Your Pool

This page is an expert guide on getting rid of Waterbugs from your pool using the products and methods suggested by our experienced pest control specialists. Follow this guide and use the recommended products and we guarantee you will be successful in eliminating Waterbugs.

A swimming pool is a fun luxury to have but it comes with a huge price of maintenance. Aside from regularly cleaning the pool so it doesn't develop algae and accumulate filth, some of the biggest problems that homeowners frequently encounter by having a swimming pool are Waterbugs.

While the American Cockroach is nicknamed the "waterbug", the ones we will talk about in this guide are Waterbugs that frequently infest pools such as the Water Boatman and the Backswimmer.

Under the right conditions, these water-loving pests can create a sizable invasion that will make you not want to swim for a while.

If you have been encountering Waterbugs in your pool, this guide can help. Read on to find out more about Waterbugs and how you can treat this class of pest and prevent them from taking over your pool.

Identification

There are two main types of Waterbugs that you can get in your pool: Water Boatman and Backswimmers. They look a lot alike because they are both from the Hemiptera classification of insects.

• Water Boatman are oval-shaped bugs that are half of an inch long and are usually brown or brownish with a tinge of green.
• They have four legs with their back legs being much longer than their front legs. The back legs have fringed hairs that make it easy for them to float and paddle around on the water surface.
• Water Boatman also have wings which they use to fly around. They don't bite and like to eat mosquitoes and algae.
• Backswimmers have a similar body type of Water boatman but are lighter in color, have longer legs, and swim upside down on their backs.
• Unlike Water Boatman, the Backswimmer will bite if you get to close. The pain level is on par with a mosquito bite or bee sting.
• Backswimmers often are a by-product of having Water Boatman because they are predators of Water Boatman bugs.

Use the images and description above to help you to properly identify the specific Waterbug problem you are dealing with. If you are not totally sure, contact us and we will assist you with proper identification.

Inspection

The inspection process should be quite easy as waterbugs will almost exclusively be present because of the attraction to your pool. In this phase, you should observe where they are concentrate and how severe of a problem you have.

Where To Inspect

Walk around and closely examine your pool. Likely there is algae present even if your pool isn't visibly green yet as Waterbugs like the Water Boatman wouldn't be around if there was no algae. It is their main source of food and they like to lay eggs on algae.

What To Look For 

You're looking for Waterbugs themselves. They should be quite easy to find as they will be floating on the surface of the pool.

Treatment

Getting rid of Waterbugs is quite a simple process because you mainly have to eliminate the algae that is accumulating in your pool. When algae is not around, waterbugs will just fly away. Use an algaecide meant for pools and then keep up with regular cleaning of your pool. For an extra measure to keep waterbugs from seeking your pool, apply Supreme IT Insecticide around your yard, being careful not to apply the product directly to the pool. 

Remember that you must read all the product labels and follow the application instructions on these labels, and stay safe by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

Step 1 - Skim and Vacuum Visible Bugs Out Of Your Pool

Using a pool skimmer, remove visible bugs out of the pool. Be careful when doing this though as both Water Boatmans and Backswimmers may start to fly out to escape as soon as they have been scooped out of the pool.

After the waterbugs have been removed, manually use a vacuum to remove sediment and debris from the pool and possibly any eggs the waterbugs have laid.

Step 2 - Use an Algaecide

As you would weekly to clean the pool, apply calcium hypochlorite to kill any algae left in the pool that would attract waterbugs. Use the manufacturer label of the pool chemical for specifics on how much you will need to apply to your pool. You may need to up the dosage more than normal if you were seeing a lot of waterbugs or if your water has turned visibly green.

24 hours after shocking your pool with chlorine, use a pool test kit to make sure your pool has the proper balance of chlorine and alkaline to make it safe for swimming.

Step 3 - Spray Supreme IT

Supreme IT is a broad-spectrum insecticide that is labeled for treating over 70 different pests including Waterbugs. It also has a long residual effect that continues to kill for up to 90 days after application. Waterbugs that may be hovering around your pool won't anymore after applying this pesticide in your yard.

To apply Supreme IT, simply mix water in a hand pump or hose-end sprayer then add Supreme IT at a rate of 1 oz per gallon to cover 1,000 sq. ft. Measure the square footage of your lawn to determine how much Supreme IT you need to cover the entire area. Shake well and pump your sprayer.

Focus your Supreme IT treatment on the landscaping and rocks, making sure to keep applications at least 5 feet away from the pool perimeter. This is to ensure that the chemical doesn't get into the filters, drains or skimmers. Use a fan spray setting to get nice uniform coverage. 

Prevention

After the Waterbugs have been removed from your yard, you will need to make the pest stays away and doesn’t return. Here are some preventative measures you can apply to protect your pool:

Maintain the proper chemistry levels for your pool so algae doesn't develop. Use chlorination at least twice a week especially if the pool is used more frequently. A shock treatment includes adding larger volumes of chlorine to the pool and stirring it to dissolve completely. This potentially is more effective than just adding small amounts and letting it dissolve naturally. The best time to add chlorine to the pool is in the evening and leave it to dissolve overnight.

Skim your pool every day. Use your skimmer to remove dead bugs algae spores that may have come into your pool so they don't bloom. 

Cover your pool when it is not in use. This will keep everything out and not allow algae or the bugs that love them to sneak into your pool.

Turn off Poolside Lighting. Most Waterbugs and bugs, in general, are attracted to lighting. Lights should not be directed at the pool directly to avoid attracting more bugs. Also, you can get ultraviolet bug zappers to attract and kill bugs without making a big mess.

Mow your yard short. Keep vegetation around the pool to a minimum, as these provide potential breeding spots for bugs to lay their eggs. Trim the leaves and grass around the pool.

Key Takeaways

What are Waterbugs?

• Waterbugs (namely Water Boatman and Backswimmers) are pesky nuisances that like to invade pools when there is algae present.

How To Get Rid of Waterbugs In Your Pool

• By using an approved algaecide in your pool and applying Supreme IT strategically around your yard, you can eliminate Waterbugs and keep them from returning.

Preventing Waterbug Reinfestation

• Prevent future Waterbug infestations by keeping a regular pool cleaning schedule, mowing your yard short, covering your pool when its not in use and reducing poolside lighting.