Bathroom Pests: Watch Out for These Water Lovin Bugs

The kitchen and attic are well-known activity centers for pests. But there’s another spot in your home that attracts a unique set of insects. We’re talking about the bathroom. The constant moisture coming from the tub, sink and toilet create the perfect environment for bugs that thrive in and around water.

In our 50 years of providing pest control treatments in central Alabama, we’ve handled just about every type of water bug in the Cotton State. If you’ve seen an increase of insects in your bathroom, chances are it’s one of the bugs below.

Silverfish

One of the most common bathroom bugs is the silverfish. As the name suggests, silverfish are a silvery gray color and love moisture. They are easy to identify because of their long antenna, two bristle tails on their rear end and the swimming motion of their movement. They live in areas with high humidity like the bathroom and basement but are most commonly seen by people around drains.

Spot treatments are usually ineffective because silverfish move all around the house. A holistic pest control treatment plan that addresses all areas is often needed to get rid of silverfish.

Drain Flies

Drain flies are commonly seen flitting around the sinks of both the bathroom and kitchen. They end up there because drain fly larvae feed off gunk in the pipes. Once matured, they fly up out of the pipes. They are very small, furry looking dark flies with long antenna that are annoying, but not dangerous.

To get rid of drain flies, you’ll have to remove the build up in pipes and also fix any leaks. Drain flies are also found around compost, so these materials should be properly contained to avoid a future infestation.

Cockroaches

If you read our post on cockroach allergies, you may remember that we suggested using a dehumidifier to get rid of roaches. These notorious pests love moisture. Many people have been startled to find a cockroach clinging to the wall or crawling around the faucet when they get in the shower.

You’ll usually see them in the bathroom at night as they hunt for food and water. Chances are they aren’t entering your home through the bathroom, but rather sneaking in there from another spot in the house or hiding under the sink.

Water Bugs

Water bugs are a type of cockroach that have many of the same habits, however, they live in water. They are usually found outside in pools, ponds, etc., but occasionally make their way indoors through openings just like their cousin, the cockroach. Once inside they will seek out water sources, which is why they are most commonly found in the bathroom.

Eliminating both cockroaches and water bugs requires extensive pest control because they could be getting in the home from just about anywhere.

Mold Mites

Constant moisture in the bathroom can cause mildew and mold to grow, and when it does, mold mites may become a problem. Mold mites are teeny tiny white to tan bugs that feed on mold. Like cockroaches, they reproduce quickly and produce allergens that can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

The mold source needs to be found and removed in order to get rid of the mold mites. Usually there is some sort of leak that is causing excess moisture, leading to mold, which in turn leads to mold mites. Once mold mites are removed, you’ll need to continue to keep moisture under control to prevent their return.

House Centipede

The house centipede is the only type of centipede that lives inside of homes. Typically this reclusive pest likes to hang out in moist basements and other undisturbed areas, but they’ll end up in bathrooms if that’s the only moist spot they can find. They enter homes through cracks and openings, but once they are inside they can lay eggs and create an infestation.

Professional exterminators like Vulcan Termite & Pest Control Inc. can help you treat your home to get rid of the centipedes that are already there, but homeowners will have to take precautions to prevent future infestations. Sealing cracks around windows and doors as well as adding weather stripping can help keep centipedes and other bugs outside. You’ll also need to dehumidify your home and address areas of dampness that attract water lovin’ bugs.

Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/pest-profiles/bathroom-pests-watch-out-for-these-water-lovin-bugs/