Why do I keep finding roaches in my shower?

Author: Macie VonRueden MD  |  Last update: Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Moisture sources Cockroaches need moisture to stay hydrated and water to drink. They crawl on walls to drink droplets of moisture left behind after a shower and crawl in wet tubs after baths. They may also find moisture in the kitchen, most notably around the sink, under the sink, and perhaps the dishwasher.

Why are there roaches in my shower?

Dehydration: Cockroaches require moisture to survive, and if they are unable to find enough water, they may wander into your bathroom, become dehydrated, and die. Attraction to the Bathroom: Bathrooms can provide food sources (like hair and organic material) and moisture, making them attractive to cockroaches.

How to keep roaches from coming up in the shower drain?

How to prevent roaches from coming out of shower drain? Use a floor drain core to prevent insects and odors from entering the bathroom through the floor drain. Run water down every drain in your home at least once per month. Fill the whole sink with water and then slowly lift the lid.

How to stop roaches from coming in the bathroom?

  • Seal Entry Points: Inspect your bathroom for cracks, gaps, and holes where cockroaches might enter. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these openings.
  • Keep it Clean: Regularly clean your bathroom, focusing on areas where moisture accumulates.
  • Reduce Moisture: Cockroaches are attracted to moisture.

Why should you never squish a cockroach?

Spread of Eggs

The number one reason to not squash a cockroach is to prevent spreading cockroach eggs. Some cockroach species, such as the German cockroach (common species here in the UK) carry their egg cases (ootheca) on their body until just before they hatch.

Big Trouble With Big Roaches In Your Bathroom

What is the best repellent for cockroaches?

Citronella Oil

Its strong scent is known to deter roaches and other insects like mosquitoes and gnats. Homeowners can either directly apply the oil to areas frequented by roaches for the most effective application or dilute it with water to create a DIY repellent spray.

Is it OK if a cockroach touches you?

If you touch a cockroach, you risk becoming infected with some serious diseases, including bacteria that cause dysentery. According to the World Health Organization, cockroaches commonly transmit these diseases to humans: Salmonellosis.

What smell do roaches hate?

Some strong scents, such as lavender and mint, have been known to repel cockroaches.

Is it normal to find a cockroach in your bathroom?

Several factors attract cockroaches, drawing them into kitchens and bathrooms. By understanding these, homeowners can identify other areas where cockroaches might hide in their houses. Cockroaches prefer humid environments, and bathrooms are high in humidity, particularly after showers and baths.

Does pouring bleach down the drain get rid of roaches?

Clegg's Pest Control does NOT recommend pouring bleach down a drain to kill roaches or any other reason (including monthly cleaning). Most people know that bleach sprays can be used to kill errant roaches that skitter around your floors. Bleach can kill roaches on contact.

Why are roaches in my bathroom at night?

In addition to food, cockroaches love moisture in bathrooms. They'll take advantage of leaking pipes, drain issues, and other plumbing problems to access the water they need to sustain life. As for shelter, the warmer and more humid the bathroom, the more comfortable they are.

Will a cockroach come back up if you flush it?

Don't try flushing a cockroach into a toilet bowl. You might see them resurfacing again! Cockroaches can hold their breath for 40 minutes, giving them adequate time to crawl up and escape. Your home is still not safe from cockroach infestation even when always kept clean.

How to identify a cockroach nest?

Cockroaches form groups by producing chemicals called aggregation pheromones as signals to other roaches. These pheromones emit a musty odor. If a musty smell or tiny pellet-like droppings can be traced throughout a property or home, it may be a sign of a cockroach nest.

How to stop cockroaches from coming up the shower drain?

Cover drains with a stopper at night.

You can use rubber drain covers or metal drain screens. Cockroaches are nocturnal, so it's most important to block their entry at night.

Why am I seeing roaches in my clean house?

The idea that roaches only infest filthy homes is a myth. While poor sanitation can contribute to infestations, even spotless homes can attract cockroaches under the right conditions. Environmental factors, such as humidity and nearby landscaping, play a significant role in attracting these resilient pests.

How to remove cockroaches permanently?

Basic steps:
  1. Remove clutter.
  2. Vacuum well and often. ...
  3. Wash hard washable surfaces with cleanser (ammonia and water works well).
  4. Dust out of sight spaces with boric acid powder. ...
  5. Use roach baits near hiding places like behind pictures and wall hangings, under sinks and undersides of furniture.

How did a roach get in my shower?

One of the most common reasons is food or water availability. Cockroaches are attracted to moisture, so if your shower is leaking or there is standing water, this could be an issue. Another reason cockroaches might be attracted to your shower is because it's warm.

Is your house dirty if you find a cockroach?

If you think you have cockroaches, do not panic. Finding roaches is not a sign that your house is dirty. Even if you clean regularly and maintain a tidy home, cockroaches can usually find food and water without much trouble. This allows them to thrive in many environments.

Why am I seeing big roaches all of a sudden?

Improper sanitation, presence of food and water sources, and favorable living conditions are common causes of roach infestations. Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment, storing food in tightly sealed containers, and promptly cleaning up spills or crumbs can help prevent roach infestations.

Will sleeping with the light on keep cockroaches away?

Leaving the light on doesn't deter cockroaches effectively because they can navigate in low-light conditions. While they're mostly active at night, they may still come out in search of food or water. During the day, cockroaches hide in dark areas not directly exposed to light.

What is a cockroaches' biggest weakness?

Cockroaches are blessed with an amazing sense of smell. This is what they use when seeking food and mate but at the same time, this is also their weakness. A cockroach's sense of smell can be used to get rid of them.

What sounds do roaches hate?

[ Pure Bops Playlist ] • Pure Bops Get rid of cockroaches using 30kHz ultrasonic waves that insects hate. If you play the sound continuously in the place where you see the roaches, they will disappear and never come back. Use an old cell phone to play it all the time. Using a good speakers makes you get a better result ...

Why should you not squish a roach?

Yes, it's dangerous to ingest food after they've crawled over it, so your pantry is at risk. But it's also dangerous to stomp or smash them because the particles can get sent into the air where they can be swallowed or inhaled. And when you retrieve the dead bug your hands can become contaminated.

Do roaches bite people at night?

Being nocturnal creatures, cockroaches are more likely to bite you at night - especially while you are sleeping. However, they do appear in the daytime, when this happens, it could mean your premise is undergoing a heavy cockroach infestation where they are in need of food supplies.

What if a cockroach crawls on you?

If a roach crawls on you while you're sleeping, it may attempt to feed on dead skin in your eyelashes, eyebrows, or around your lips. While doing this, it could bite you. If it does, you're likely to know it, as dirty cockroaches immediately introduce bacteria into the wounds they cause.

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