Cockroach vs. water bug Water bugs Water bugs are typically brown or grayish in color, says O’Neal, and they typically ring in at about 2 inches in length.

If you have bugs that look like cockroaches in the home, it's important to know what you're dealing with. These are some differences.

It’s also important to note that most cockroaches and water bugs can fly, says O’Neal. However, the oriental cockroach, which is most commonly mistaken for a water bug, cannot.

Some of the most commonly found would be American and German roaches.” The water bugs vs. cockroaches terminology typically depends on a region’s dialect.

The most common “water bugs” are Oriental cockroaches, but American cockroaches also are sometimes known by this moniker. Neither species is one you’d probably like to find in your home.

Water bugs, also known as cockroaches, aren’t something anyone wants in their home, so learning how to get rid of water bugs when one is spotted is essential.