The Unexpected Spot That Is Attracting Bugs Into Your Bathroom (& How To Put An End To It)

Cleaning your bathroom can feel like a never-ending chore. Shampoo and soap leave behind scum that needs to be scrubbed. Damp towels need to be frequently washed and dried. Splattered mirrors need to be shined. And don't get us started on the toilet bowl, taking the trash out, or trying to keep all those first aid supplies organized. Many of us have made a certain kind of peace with that one spider that lives in the corner of the shower, taking pity on it while vacuuming or dusting. But it's quite another thing to suddenly see bugs crawling on your toothbrush. According to Scott Svenheim, ACE-certified hybrid education facilitator at Truly Insulation Plus, toothbrush holders and electric toothbrush bases are like candy to disease-carrying ants and cockroaches. He suggests that preventing an infestation by sealing cracks where pests can hide is a task you should prioritize.

"What about these items is so attractive to pests? Toothpaste and mouthwash contain sugar or are sweet, so they attract sweet-feeding ants," Svenheim told House Digest during an exclusive interview. "Moisture can also attract insects." You may already be wiping down the sink after you use it, but if you simply rinse your toothbrush and stick it back into a holder or base, the water is likely running down into it before evaporating. Especially if yours are relatively closed up, thanks to a lid or a well-constructed electric base, these are among the hardest spots to clean in a bathroom. But you're risking a pest problem if you see gray or brownish gunk starting to build up at the bottom of your toothbrush holder.

We're sorry to say that it isn't just ants you need to watch out for in your bathroom. According to Scott Svenheim, cockroaches are also attracted to the dark, wet, sugary sweet leftovers on your toothbrush. During his exclusive interview with House Digest, Svenheim said there's more to worry about than just the "ick" factor. "Ants and cockroaches are well known for carrying diseases and bacteria and spreading them wherever they travel," he explained. "Springtails can also be attracted to the moisture source and can be an annoyance until the excessive moisture condition is corrected."

Even if you don't catch the bugs in action, Svenheim said you'll easily be able to spot the telltale signs of an infestation. "Cockroaches leave behind droppings (fecal matter) that are an obvious sign, along with egg capsules and cast-off skins." Ants don't leave much evidence other than the line of them marching toward the sink. Either way, it's not just gross. A bug infestation in your bathroom can also put your dental health at risk. It takes only seconds to wipe out your sink, dry off your toothbrush, and wipe your holder or electric toothbrush base clean after every use. Consider using a dedicated towel or blasting it for a few seconds with a nearby blow-dryer. Whichever method you choose, add your dental hygiene items to the list of things in your bathroom you should be cleaning daily.

There are a lot of hacks that will help keep insects out of your house. Scott Svenheim said simple sanitation is the key to preventing pest infestations in your bathroom. "Keep areas as clean as possible," he told House Digest during his exclusive interview. The expert added that vigilance is the key. "Closely monitor what is brought into the home, keeping doors and windows closed or at least screened," he recommended. "And seal cracks where pests can gain access and hide, to force them out into the open." Leaving the lid down, turning your fan on after a particularly steamy shower, and keeping an eye on the plumbing under your sink are quick and easy steps you can take to minimize the overall moisture levels in your bathroom. You should also avoid leaving damp bathmats or towels lying around, because they quickly become a perfect hiding place for bugs.

So what should homeowners do if they spot a cockroach crawling across the bathroom floor, or worse, see a whole ant infestation in progress? First things first, throw away your toothbrush! Then, according to Svenheim, you've got a little work ahead of you. Along with deep cleaning your bathroom to sanitize it, you should probably call in a pro. "Contacting a licensed pest control company is necessary to handle each situation properly," Svenheim urged. "The homeowner can sometimes make the situation worse if they try and treat the situation incorrectly."