Oh this is cracking me up!
AFAIK, when something explodes in the nuker, it's because there was a solid outer membrane with moisture inside. Like a potato, pea, egg, corn kernel. As the inside heats up, it expands/creates steam, and we know what happens after. BOOM! Yes, I do think a bug could explode.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Who am I to comment on stuff I'm not willing to *try?* Hmmmph!
Why would one want to boil or nuke plant water?