Can Water Bugs clog up a water pipe/drain?

[soleft]

We've been having two simultaneous problems in our apartment.

One - huge water bugs popping up in our kitchen sink, sometimes we see them running in and out of the dish washer. We usually see one or two a week, and think they're getting in thru the drain in the dishwasher.

Two - the drains in our bathroom sink and tub started clogging really bad, and I did see a water bug in our tub last week.

It's almost too gross to think about - but does that sound likely? They're so gross!

[likesmountains 52]

1. Try posting in the DIY forum....those folks can answer anything!

[mike_c]

2. very unlikely....

I won't say impossible, because, well, you know, but it's so unlikely that the probability isn't worth considering.

I wish you could post a pic of those "water bugs." There are not very many that can actually live inside drain pipes, and building appreciable populations is pretty unusual. If you can post a pic during the next hour or so I can identify it and give you some more info, but then I'm off for about three weeks of collecting real "water bugs."

[soleft]

5. Reasonable facsimile

[mike_c]

6. are they at least an inch long or more...?

That is a belostomatid water bug, or giant water bug. They are full on predators, so unless there are other animals living in your pipes, it is REALLY unlikely that belostomatids can live there.

Belostomatids normally live in ponds-- that short stubby projection at the rear is a breathing siphon they employ, hanging just below the surface while waiting for prey.

If you're finding them in your sink, tub, etc, then there are two possible scenarios that I can think of. First, if your drain empties directly into a pond very close to your house, it is possible that belostomatids might crawl up the pipe, but they would not be able to live there for any length of time, so they'd crawl out one end or the other-- but it's hard to imagine them seeking the INSIDE end since it's uphill, concealed by drain traps, and so on. But it's possible. Of course, any such pond would likely be pretty polluted....

The second scenario is that dispersing belostomatids that get into your house through windows, etc-- they can fly quite well, BTW, seek lights at night, etc.-- might be attracted to your drains as possible ways to reach the water that is their natural habitat.

One last caution-- belostomatids have a short, stout, piercing mouth that can produce a painful sting, so don't pick them up and shake them in your bare hand.... :evilgrin:

[soleft]

8. No pond, I'm in 2nd floor NYC apartment

And I kill them by spraying scrubbing bubbles until they drown.

[mike_c]

9. yup-- see #7....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_cockroach

[bertha katzenengel]

3. I dunno... there's a funny riff on water bugs - i think it's funny anyway

Paula Poundstone says she was appalled at all the water bugs in FL. She said she'd get a piece of toilet paper, smoonch the bug, throw it in the toilet. They ought to have a toilet paper shortage in FL for all the people getting a piece of toilet paper, smoonching a bug, throwing it in the toilet. Someone yelled from the crowd one night, "Use a brick!" She said, "well, that'll clog your toilet..."

Yeah. I'm a big fan of Paula Poundstone.

So sorry I don't have any advice for you, though.

[soleft]

4. Yeah, she calls them Big Old Florida Bugs

I think the official name is Palmetto bugs. I'd use a brick.

[mike_c]

7. uh oh-- palmetto bugs are not the belostomatids I described up thread....

Palmetto bugs are roaches-- specifically the American cockroach.



These also cannot "live" in your drains, but they will certainly hide there.

[liontamer]

10. not living ones

but if you have a few dead bodies in your u bend, it's possible.

Either way, try plunging your sink, that'll remove a clog. Then you should regularly pour baking soda and boiling water down your drains. Minimizes grease/soap scum slowing down the drain.

Good luck.

[soleft]

11. Thanks!