For many people, the bathroom is a sanctuary — a place to unwind in the tub after a long day or find some privacy away from family members. When you start to notice bugs in the bathroom, however, it can feel less like an intrusion and more like an invasion.
Note: Though the pests mentioned below are commonly referred to as “bugs,” they are actually insects and arthropods. Unfortunately, many insects and other arthropods are attracted to moisture, making the bathroom a place these pests love to hang out. Read on to learn which insects might be lurking in the drains or moving around inside your bathroom walls — and how to help get rid of them.
House Centipedes
Despite their name, house centipedes don’t always have 100 legs. Depending on the species, they have between 15-191 legs. However, what they do have is a tendency to sometimes pop up in your shower.
House centipedes can be found in your bathroom when they’re searching for other insects and bathroom bugs. As centipedes are predators, they can actually be beneficial insects as they feed on spiders and other insects found inside the home.
An effective way to help get rid of house centipedes is to clean and thoroughly vacuum the remote areas of your bathrooms, including the insides of cabinets, behind drawers and under shelves. Additionally, keep your bathroom as dry as possible by controlling its humidity (check your bathroom exhaust fan, or have one installed) and having any plumbing leaks that you detect repaired as soon as possible. This can help control other insects and bathroom bugs that may be found, thus reducing the food source for the house centipedes.
Spiders
Out of all the pests that make themselves welcome in our homes, spiders might be the most divisive. Some people almost welcome them as an ally in the fight against nuisance bugs like flies, roaches, etc. Others, however, are terrified and want them removed as soon as possible. Wherever you stand on spiders, don’t be surprised to encounter them in your bathroom.
Spiders don’t necessarily have a preference for damp places like bathrooms, but they can show up there from time to time. That's because they are following their prey. If you discover a spider in your bathroom and want it gone, a vacuum can help you remove it. Vacuum any remaining webbing to discourage other spiders from moving in. This can also help remove spider eggs in your home. You should avoid squishing spiders, especially if it is a wolf spider.
While dangerous spiders like the brown recluse do like damp environments, you are much more likely to find them in places like cellars and crawl spaces. If you are concerned about handling a spider because you cannot identify it, a pest control professional can help.
Silverfish
Silverfish are tiny, wingless insects easily identifiable due to their namesake silvery color and three antenna-like tails. They also move like fish in a water.
Silverfish feed on mold, fungi and various carbohydrates. For that reason, they are a common kitchen pest. But, as moisture in the bathroom can lead to mold growth, silverfish may establish themselves there as well. Silverfish are also nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night.
As unpleasant as they are, silverfish are not generally dangerous, though they can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Also, if left unchecked, they can eventually spread and damage any household items that contain carbohydrates and sugars, like wallpaper and book bindings (because of the adhesive glue).
Cockroaches
Of all the bathroom bugs, cockroaches may be among the most infamous. They can often be spotted in bathrooms, where they like to dwell thanks to the abundance of water. They can also cause headaches because an infestation can be so difficult to control.
To combat cockroaches, consider taking the time to look for cracks in your floor or walls. Have any plumbing leaks repaired, and consider sealing the wall cavities around your pipes with waterproof caulk. Clean your drains regularly, and cover them with stoppers or screens to help keep cockroaches out of your home.
While these tips can help reduce the conditions that attract pests to your home, a more well-rounded plan is recommended to help fully remove them and keep them out. A pest control professional can help. Give Terminix® a call to have one of our technicians inspect your bathroom and recommend a control and prevention plan.
