Bathroom Pests: watch out for these water lovin' bugs
Listen, this isn't exactly our favorite topic of discussion either. However, its something worth chatting about. It's commonly known that the kitchen and attic welcome pesky insects with open arms, but what a lot of people don't realize is that your bathroom could potentially be doing the same. Water leaks can cause pest problems in homes, schools, and businesses. Most people are unaware of the association between plumbing problems and pests, but the fact is that the two are intertwined. If you have a leak, it will attract pests. The constant moisture coming from the tub, sink and toilet create the perfect environment for bugs that thrive in and around water.
"No bugs here!"
You might think, "What if I haven't seen any bugs with my own eyes?" Be careful, if you have any sort of leak in the bathroom that you've been putting off, chances are you have bugs crawling around. We say this because bugs like Silverfish, Mites, and Cockroaches usually sneak around in the middle of the night to hunt for food and water.
To get rid of pests, and keep them from coming back, you have to deprive them their basic survival needs: food, water, shelter. Did you know that German cockroaches can survive a couple of weeks without food, but they will die within a few days if they do not have access to moisture?
What should I look for?
In the bathroom, make sure that there is a good seal around the water pipes where they enter the room from the wall. A good caulk seal assures that even the smallest insects can’t enter. Also, check grout around bathtubs and toilets. A poor seal around a bathtub can allow water into the surrounding floor and walls, and if the wax ring around the bottom of a toilet isn’t sealing properly, you could create a watering hole for critters every time you flush.
Regular maintenance such as fixing leaks, are key components of a smart, sensible, and sustainable pest management program. Recognizing the value of pest prevention is an important first step. Drip, drip, drip goes the faucet … stopping those drips saves water, helps the environment, and protects you from pests!
