ROACHES around my pool! EEEWWWW!

[poolmom06]

We have been slammed with rain the past 5 or so weeks, but I am seeing a BUNCH Of roaches around my pool in the mulch and such...anybody know how to get rid of them without it being a BIG deal?? Do they come out when there is more moisture, I have TONS of standing water just about everywhere... my house is far from roach breeding ground. I am seeing them inside my house too!!
EWww yuck! I hate them!!

[Sumo1]

Can't give you the why 'cause bugs are not my sport but for control in the house I've seen excellent results from a gel bait. Not sure of the name but GELMAX seems to ring a bell. Comes in a syringe type applicator. Kind of expensive around here @$15 a tube but very effective. Might be cheaper buying on the 'net. Good luck!
Hal

[tphaggerty]

Boric acid (its a powder) and DE both work too. Neither should be a big problem with kids or pets if you put them in the mulch beds.

[poolmom06]

Thank you so much, I have to get some DE anyway, and I will get some bug spray also, and that should take care of them, now to get rid of all the mosquitos!!!

[caustik]

Are you sure they are roaches? I found 3 total now of this insect that has a roach body with large pinchers. I thought they were roaches, but some internet searching revealed they are called Giant Water Bugs or Toe Biters. Very comical.

Weird that they are a freshwater bug, yet were in my salt water pool.

[poolmom06]

do you have a picture ?

[CarlD]

I thought waterbugs were just 2" long roaches. The DE should work on them, too.

Oh, and please DON'T include pictures of the beasties...I used to see them when I lived in North Carolina.

[caustik]

do you have a picture ?

Here is one.

http://www.whatsthatbug.com/images/toebiter_tom.jpg

It is just a link to the pic CarlD, so you don't need to peak at it!

PS. This is a really good insect site. http://www.whatsthatbug.com/

[CarlD]

Good!
Then I won't have censor the ugly thing!

[Poolsean]

Is the DE you're recommending the same DE that is used in pool filters? I though the insecticidal DE was a finer grade than pool DE. The finer grade is actually smaller and have sharper edges that cut the insects walking on it, opening its guts and killing the insects. The normal Pool grade DE is too large to do this.

http://www.internet-grocer.net/diatome.htm