Finding insects in your bathroom is fairly common, due to the generally higher level of moisture in them from the use of sinks and showers, as well as their use for cleaning our own bodies. There are four main groups of insects and arthropods that are most commonly found in bathrooms. You have likely encountered at least one or all of these pests in your bathroom at some time or another.
The first group of bathroom pests commonly encountered are known as “moisture lovers”. Now, it is not secret that most insects and humans need moisture to survive. With these particular pests, they seek out humid environments, and the more humid, the better. German cockroaches are one of these common bathroom pests, and like humidity levels between 90 and 95 percent. Other “moisture lovers” often encountered in bathrooms include silverfish, fungus beetles, psocids, and springtails. Bathrooms located on the ground level are in particular danger when it comes to these pests invading. Pests that are attracted to lights are another common bathroom invader. The bright lights above sinks are a major source of attraction. Bathrooms also tend to have night-lights on in the dark even when no other rooms in a house use them. These pests tend to be of the flying kind, such as mosquitoes, moths, and midges, and they often find their way to a lighted bathroom at night when people are sleeping.
There are also what are referred to as “resident bathroom pests”. The main pest to watch out for in this category are drain (moth) flies. These critters literally live and breed in bathrooms, attracted to the scum that builds up inside the drains of sinks, showers, and bathtubs. The larvae feed and develop in this scum and may remain in the bathroom after maturing into adults. They tend to circle around lazily or perch on the walls, during which they will lay more eggs in scum-covered drains. Of course, all of these insect pests have natural predators that seek them out for sustenance. These common bathroom predator pests such as spiders and centipedes are the fourth group to watch out for. Since their prey is often found in bathrooms, they inevitably follow, searching for a good insect meal. Where you find insect pests like the first three groups, you will also find their predators. The extra moisture is also a convenient added bonus. The lesson here is to make sure your bathroom stays clean, make sure there are no gaps in windows or doors that could allow pests to enter, keep the windows closed and covered at night to block light, and try to keep your bathroom from getting too damp by installing more ventilation or a dehumidifier.
Have you ever had to deal with any of these common bathroom pests?