Hi Lisa. I have water striders as well and sometime waterboat bugs (those ones that look like june bugs but have big paddles on the front). If I see those I scoop them out with a net and squish them. They will give a nasty bite to both me and my fish. I didn't know the water striders bite but I had a nasty spider bite two weeks ago that took a long time to heal. Could see the two holes where the fangs went in. I used to be deathly afraid of spiders but after living in Africa for two years the ones here are pretty insignificant!

After reading this, I seen what looks to be a water strider in my pond this evening. They are pretty nifty, although I dislike spiders. I don't kill them, but tell them to "Stay" when I walk by. Thanks for the link.

" It can locate its prey by feeling the smallest movements or vibrations made in the surface of the water."
Were you vibrating?
I hear water striders are good luck. Sandy

Sandy I am laughing so hard I have a stitch!!!!!!!

Regards,
Lisa

LOL, Sandy. I busted out laughing, and startled the dog. That was funny!

Oh yes, they bite. I was told they were able to bite by my friend but didn't believe that until I was myself bitten by a water strider. I was barefoot as I was rafting on a pond and suddenly I felt a mild pain in my foot... That was a water strider sucking my blood just as a nasty bedbug!