Are you tired of having to deal with annoying bugs popping up from the shower drain? Do you dread taking showers because of them? It’s a common problem, this can be a nuisance to deal with and not to mention unhygienic. However, there are ways to stop these pests.
Bug infestations in your home are both annoying and disheartening. No one wants to be dealing with pests inside the house, especially when it comes to filing out of your shower drain! Thankfully, there are simple ways that you can help minimize bug presence up the shower drain and get a little piece of mind back.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some easy tips for how to deal with bugs near or in the bathtub and how to stop bugs from coming up the shower drain by installing a few preventative measures. Read on to find out more!
What Will You Need?
Before starting this task, ensure you have the right materials. You’ll need the following:
- A pair of strong pliers
- Drano or another chemical drain cleaner
- An insect trap or pesticide spray
Once you have these tools, you’re ready to get started.
10 Easy Steps on How to Stop Bugs From Coming Up the Shower Drain
Step 1: Physically Remove the Bugs in your Drain
First and foremost, you need to remove as many bugs from the drain as possible physically. This means using your pliers to pick out any that are stuck in there. If needed, you can also use a wet/dry vac to suck them out.
Step 2: Clean Out the Drain with a Chemical Cleaner
Once you’ve physically removed any bugs from the drain, it’s time to use a chemical cleaner like Drano or another similar product. This will help kill off any remaining pests and break down any residue that might provide them with food and shelter. Don’t forget to wear gloves and other protective gear while handling these chemicals.
Step 3: Install an Insect Trap
An insect trap can be placed near the drain opening to catch any bugs trying to get inside. These traps typically require some sort of bait (such as fruit) that will attract the bugs to them, so make sure you check with your local hardware store for recommendations. Additionally, you could also use a pesticide spray to help deter bugs from entering through the drain.
Step 4: Spray Pesticide Around the Drain
You may also want to spray pesticide around the edges of the drain and in any crevices or cracks where bugs might be hiding out. This will help keep them away from entering through your shower drain and discourage them from returning once they’ve been removed. Make sure to use a product that is safe for use on indoors, as some outdoor-only pesticides may be harmful when used inside.
Step 5: Install Plugs Over Existing Drains
If there are existing drains in your bathroom that you don’t need open (such as a sink or bathtub), install plugs over them to prevent any bugs from entering through those openings. If the plugs don’t fit, consider getting some adhesive foam to place around them. It will help in keeping out any intruders.
Step 6: Clean Up Messes Quickly
Bugs like to feed off food residue and other messes left behind, so it’s important to clean up spills and major messes quickly after they happen. This will help keep the bug population down in your bathroom. If you have any pets, make sure to clean up their messes as well.
Step 7: Check for Leaks and Seal Gaps Around Pipes
It’s also a good idea to check for leaks around your pipes and seal any gaps where water might be escaping. This can help avoid moisture buildup, which could attract more bugs into your bathroom.
Step 8: Ventilate the Room Properly
Ventilation is key when it comes to controlling bug populations. Ensure you have windows open and exhaust fans running in your bathroom as much as possible to eliminate any moisture buildup or lingering odors quickly. Try to keep the temperature in your bathroom at a comfortable level and make sure it gets enough air movement.
Step 9: Clean Out Your Shower Drain Regularly
Make sure you regularly clean your shower drain with a chemical cleaner like Drano to help keep bugs away. Doing this at least once a month should be enough, but if you start noticing an infestation of bugs coming back in small numbers more frequently, increase how often you do it. As an extra measure, you can also use a brush or vacuum to get rid of any debris that has built up in the drain.
Step 10: Call an Exterminator
If all else fails and the bug infestation is still persistent, it’s best to call in a professional exterminator. They will be able to assess the situation and provide you with more tailored advice on how to get rid of the bugs in your home.
Moreover, they will be able to use specialized tools and techniques that can help get rid of the pests quickly and effectively. Following these steps can significantly reduce the chances of bugs coming up from your shower drain and invading your bathroom. With some effort and patience, you can keep your home bug-free for good!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
1. Use a Mesh Strainer or Filter: You can purchase mesh strainers or filters for your drain and use them whenever necessary. These simple devices will help keep larger objects like hair, food, and dirt particles out of the pipes and away from any bugs.
2. Be Mindful of Plumbing Repairs: Any time you make repairs to your plumbing system, be sure to take extra precautions against allowing pests into the area. Seal off cracks or gaps with caulk or other materials, and always make sure old parts are completely removed from the system.
3. Clean the Drain Periodically: A clogged or dirty shower drain can be a great place for bugs to hide and breed. It’s important to clean your drains on a regular basis to reduce their chances of surviving in your home. Be sure to use cleaners that are safe for your pipes, as harsh chemicals could cause further damage.
4. Use Insect Traps: Insect traps are great for catching bugs before they make it up into your shower or bathtub area. You can purchase these traps at most hardware stores and set them up around areas where you believe pests may be entering through the plumbing system.
5. Try Natural Bug Repellents: Natural insect repellents can be used to help keep bugs from entering your drain. You can purchase these products or make them yourself from items like essential oils and dried herbs. Just add a few drops of the product directly into the shower drain for effective results.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to effectively stop bugs from coming up the shower drain in no time! If all else fails, it may be best to call a professional plumber who is experienced in dealing with pest infestations in drains and plumbing systems.
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Standing Water: Over time, standing water can accumulate in your shower drain, creating a hospitable habitat for bugs. Make sure to use the drain cover that comes with your shower to prevent standing water from pooling in the bottom of your tub.
2. Clogs: Clogged drains are often caused by hair, soap scum, and other gunk that accumulate over time. Remove any clogs regularly using a plunger and snake to ensure proper drainage.
3. Unsealed Drains: Check your drain stopper every few months to ensure it’s still sealed properly, and there are no gaps between the edges of the stopper and the rim of the bathtub or sink basin. If you notice any gaps, you may need to reseal the drain.
4. Insecticides: Never use insecticides in your bathroom, as they can damage the pipes and be harmful to humans and pets. Instead, use natural methods like vacuuming or cleaning up spilled food crumbs near the sink or tub.
5. Open Windows: If there are open windows in your bathroom, make sure to keep them closed during hot weather when insects are more likely to come inside. Also, try using screens on any nearby windows so bugs won’t have a way in!
By avoiding these five common mistakes that attract bugs, you will be able to keep your shower drain bug-free and enjoy cleaner bathrooms for years to come!
Conclusion
When it comes to bugs in the shower, prevention is key. By employing some of these simple measures regularly, you can confidently say goodbye to pesky bugs and keep them from coming up the shower drain.
Remember to use a quality disposable filter, ensure your pipes are in good condition, pour baking soda down the drain for natural pest control, and employ bleach if you’re dealing with unsightly fungi.
Keep up with regular preventative cleaning and maintenance; before you know it, bug-free showers will be your reality! So don’t wait – bird bugs from your shower drains today!
Hopefully, the article on how to stop bugs from coming up the shower drain has been helpful and informative. To keep your shower free from any pests, take the necessary steps today and enjoy a bug-free bathroom experience!
