Infestation of Bugs With Fins in Swimming Pools

Physical Features

• Both backswimmers and water boatmen have rounded, boat-shaped bodies and a long pair of legs that they use as fins or oars, propelling them through the water. The backswimmer stores air to breathe underwater in two compartments in its abdomen, while the water boatman traps air under its wings and around its abdomen. Both bugs can fly, but spend most of their time in the water. Both bugs measure less than 1/2 inch long, with the water boatman slightly smaller than the backswimmer. The water boatman's body is also flatter than that of the backswimmer.

Behavior

• The water boatman swims with its abdomen facing down and its back facing up. The backswimmer, true to its name, swims upside down. If it wants to fly, the backswimmer has to leave the water, stand right side up, then start flying. The water boatman eats various living materials, such as algae and small insects, at the bottom of the body of water where it swims. In contrast, the backswimmer is a predator that pierces and sucks the juices of its prey, including small fish and tadpoles.

In Swimming Pools

• Both backswimmers and water boatmen can tolerate various types of water, allowing them to live even in chlorinated swimming pools. Water boatmen generally only become a nuisance, but don't actually harm swimmers. On the other hand, backswimmers sometimes bite swimmers, causing pain and a burning feeling. Sensitive individuals may feel the effects of the bite for days. Because of their bite, people often refer to backswimmers as water bees or water wasps.

Control

• Water bugs find the lights in the swimming pool attractive and may infest a bright swimming pool. You may be able to reduce the number of backswimmers and water boatmen in your swimming pool by changing your pool lights to orange ones and installing pool light traps and covers. You can manually remove these bugs from the water using a long-handled dip net or pool skimmer. Skim the water frequently to keep the swimming pool bug free.