The backswimmer isn't truly poisonous, at least not to humans. ... When he attacks a human, or a dog, there is a painful reaction combined with a burning sensation, comparable to that of a bee sting. Although the bite generally isn't serious, a person who is sensitive to the toxin may have a more severe reaction.

Are backswimmers dangerous to humans?

Two of the most common bugs in your pool are the backswimmer and water boatman. These pests are in the aquatic insect classified under the order Hemiptera. The bugs generally are not harmful to humans, although the backswimmer in particular can deliver a painful bite.

Are backswimmers venomous?

Swimming Pools, Lakes, and Ponds

Although their venoms have not been studied in detail, both insects are venomous, with backswimmers producing a neurotoxic venom to paralyze prey and water boatmen producing an enzymatically active venom to dissolve vegetation.