In the summer heat, a backyard pool is a great way to beat the heat, but you aren’t the only one attracted to the cooling comfort of the water. Here in Wichita we have a scary looking pest with an awful personality trait. I am talking about the Giant Water Bug. This disgusting looking critter has been nicknamed ‘toe-biter’, and for good reason. It is called this because barefoot swimmers and those who walk in shallow waters, can get a toe pinched by one if they step near or on one. Females lay fertilized eggs by the edge of the water and males guard them until hatched.
This large insect has equally large foreleg pincers. They use these massive pincers to catch underwater prey like small fish, frogs, snails and even sometimes snakes. The bite of this awful creature is very strong and injects a solution that liquefies the insides of the poor prey, allowing the bug to drink it!
In appearance the Giant Water Bug is mostly flat and oval shaped with dark brown coloring. This gives it a dead leaf look as camouflage. It will also play dead to avoid predators, and will hide in mud by a water source. It is able to stay underwater by breathing straw-like tubes that draw breath from air trapped under its wings.
These nightmarish looking pests don’t have to ruin your pool time activities. If you see one, or just want to take preventative measures to keep your home and yard pest free, call All Star Pest Control today! 316.854.3096
