Ever wonder why insects are drawn to your bathroom in the first place? Moisture, warmth, and easy access to water create a cozy habitat for pests seeking relief from dry conditions. Whether you’ve noticed something creeping along the tub or spotted a skittering shape disappearing behind the toilet, it’s helpful to know which bugs thrive in this space—and, more importantly, how to send them packing. Below are ten common bathroom bugs you may encounter, along with practical tips to keep these unwelcome guests at bay.
Silverfish
Silverfish are small, shiny insects with a wriggling, fish-like movement. They love bathrooms because of the humidity, and they’ll often feed on starchy substances like paper or shampoo residue. To discourage their presence, keep your bathroom as dry as possible by running the exhaust fan or opening a window. If you have peeling wallpaper or soggy cardboard boxes lying around, tidy those up, since silverfish appreciate damp paper products. Sealing cracks along baseboards and around pipes can also limit their hiding places, reducing the likelihood of spotting them flitting across the floor.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are drawn to any location that offers moisture and a food source, and your bathroom can deliver both if water is left standing or if soap scum is allowed to build up. These hardy insects can slip in through drains or tiny gaps under doors, so it’s a good idea to seal any possible entry points. A thorough cleaning routine that includes wiping surfaces dry and fixing leaks can make the bathroom far less appealing. If you’ve already spotted roaches scurrying about, consider using a safe gel bait or trap near their likely hideouts under sinks or around drains.
Drain Flies
Drain flies, also known as moth flies, are those tiny, fuzzy-winged insects that hover around your sink or tub. Their favorite breeding grounds are the slimy residue that accumulates inside drains and pipes. To evict them, scrub out your drains with a sturdy brush and flush the pipes with boiling water or a safe cleaning solution. Keeping surfaces dry and regularly clearing soap scum can help ensure drain flies won’t have the inviting environment they need to reproduce. They may seem harmless, but nobody likes the idea of flies buzzing around while they’re trying to relax in the bath.
Spiders
Although spiders are technically arachnids, not insects, they’re often grouped with common bathroom bugs. These eight-legged visitors typically wander in looking for moisture or hunting other small insects. Spiders can be beneficial because they capture pests, but many people prefer not to share the bathroom with them. Regularly cleaning corners, checking behind cabinets, and making sure there aren’t piles of damp towels lying around can help discourage them. If you want an extra line of defense, try using natural deterrents like a light mist of peppermint oil in the corners since many spiders dislike strong scents.
Ants
Ants usually turn up in the bathroom when they’re on the hunt for water or easy food scraps, such as sugar residue from hair products or discarded wrappers. To make your bathroom less appealing, fix any leaks or drips and store products in closed cabinets so ants don’t catch a whiff of something sweet. Sealing up small crevices around windows, vents, and plumbing can cut off their routes inside. If ants persist, consider placing baits in discreet spots like behind the toilet or under the sink, but be sure to keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Earwigs
Earwigs are recognizable by their pair of pincers at the tip of their abdomen, which can look a bit alarming but rarely pose a threat to people. They gravitate toward damp, dark areas, making the bathroom a suitable spot to hide. If you’d rather not stumble upon one in the middle of the night, try reducing humidity with a dehumidifier, opening windows to let fresh air circulate, and wiping up spills or excess water. Inspect and seal any cracks or gaps, especially around exterior walls, to keep earwigs from sneaking in. Maintaining a dry, well-sealed bathroom will make them less likely to stick around.
Centipedes
Centipedes are easy to identify, thanks to their numerous legs and swift movements that can catch you off guard. While they can be helpful by feeding on other unwanted pests, it’s still unsettling to spot one racing across your bathroom floor. Lowering overall moisture levels is one of the best ways to deter mold, so run an exhaust fan or open a window after showers. Taking care of other insect problems also removes their potential food supply. By carefully sealing gaps around plumbing lines and baseboards, you reduce their entry points and make it much harder for centipedes to set up camp.
Psocids (Booklice)
Psocids, often called booklice, are tiny, soft-bodied insects that thrive in moist areas where mold and mildew can grow. They’re especially common in bathrooms that don’t have adequate ventilation since they feed on fungi found on damp surfaces and inside hidden crevices. To discourage psocids, focus on controlling moisture by running a fan during showers or keeping the bathroom door open afterward to circulate air. Regular cleaning with a mild disinfectant also helps remove the mold these insects rely on. If you notice persistent patches of mildew, tackle them promptly so psocids don’t have a reliable food source.
Pill Bugs (Roly-Polies)
Pill bugs, also known as roly-polies, typically live outdoors in damp soil or under leaf litter, but they can end up in bathrooms if they find a path inside. Because they need moisture to survive, a perpetually damp bathroom is an ideal hideout. Keeping your bathroom dry by repairing leaks and wiping up standing water will help force pill bugs back outside. Sealing gaps in windows or along doors can also prevent them from wandering in when looking for a humid environment. Although they’re not dangerous, it’s never pleasant to see them rolling into a ball near your bathtub.
Springtails
Springtails are minuscule insects that get their name from the spring-like mechanism on their bodies, which allows them to jump when disturbed. They’re attracted to bathrooms with high humidity, where they feed on mold, algae, and organic debris. If your tub or sink drain has residue, you might see springtails hopping around in the water. Keeping surfaces clean and dry is the best defense, along with running an exhaust fan after showers to lower moisture levels. It also helps to scrub the shower curtain or bath mat if they stay damp since that’s where springtails love to hang out.
Prevention Tips for a Bug-Free Bathroom
A bug-free bathroom is well within reach if you maintain a consistent cleaning routine. Simple actions like wiping down counters, fixing leaks, and keeping the space properly ventilated can make a major difference. Avoid leaving damp towels or bath mats in a heap since this creates a perfect environment for pests. Check for cracks where bugs might get in, and use caulk or sealant to keep them out. A little proactive care goes a long way toward ensuring that your bathroom remains a serene, relaxing oasis—without six-legged or eight-legged intruders interrupting your peace.
