Must-Know Tips For Keeping Your Bathroom Cockroach-Free

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Your bathroom should be a tranquil place. But if you spot a cockroach in the tub or scurrying up the wall, those moments of peace quickly go out the window. To make matters worse, they're even a pest you might find lurking in your toilet. Cockroaches aren't just creepy looking, they can be hazardous to people's health — spreading germs, causing illnesses, and even provoking asthma attacks in people with respiratory problems. These nasty pests are often drawn to the bathroom in your home, partially due to the moisture.

Before focusing on how to keep cockroaches out, it's a good idea to go further into what is drawing them in. Like most creatures, it comes down to the survival basics. For starters, your bathroom offers a smorgasbord of drinking options for roaches, from the sink to a small puddle of water on the shower floor. Cockroaches can also find plenty of food since they're not finicky about what they eat. Hair, toothpaste, paper products, dead skin cells, and soap scum are just some of what a roach will consume.

As for all the warmth and hiding spots a bathroom provides? Cockroaches love it, too. Combine the welcoming environment with multiple entry points like drains and vents — and it's not surprising that they become unwanted guests in that part of the home. Signs you might have a roach issue include finding their carcasses, tiny black droppings, or smudge marks on the wall. They're nocturnal creatures, but spotting one in plain sight is, of course, a sign as well.

Since moisture is a huge attractant to roaches, you want to keep everything as dry as possible. Regularly wipe up any water around the tub, sink, or on the floor. Inspect for leaks and fix them. Also, use the bathroom exhaust fan while showering and keep it on until after things dry out. Seal all gaps and holes that cockroaches might use to sneak in. You can use fine mesh covers to keep bugs from crawling out of your drains without affecting the flow of the water. Or, place solid covers on them when not in use, like this 6-piece set of Yinkin drain covers.

Clean your bathroom on a regular basis, giving everything a good scrub. If you notice daily messes that cockroaches might feast on, like spilled toothpaste, wipe them up. Make sure your trash can is covered and empty it frequently. By actively taking steps to ensure your bathroom isn't as desirable to them, you'll have a greater chance of never seeing cockroaches again. If ever you feel you have an infestation, or they've become too difficult to handle on your own, be sure to call a professional.