It can be frustrating when bugs are making their way into your home. This can happen in various ways, but one of the most common is through the drain in your shower or bathtub. However, there are ways in which you can identify the problem and maintain the condition of your drain to ensure you stop bugs stop coming out of drain. Additionally, it can be very beneficial to have a trusted, reliable plumbing company to help you with any plumbing or drain problems you may have. That is why Goodbee Plumbing is here to help you with any issues, bug-related or not. Read on to find out how to stop bugs from coming out of drain.
Identify the Problem
The first step in stopping bugs from coming up the drain is identifying if the drain is the problem. This is the more challenging part of solving the issue of bugs coming into your home. However, once you determine that the drain is the route of the problem, you can address what might be wrong with it.
Check If Your Drains are Clogged
Regularly checking for bugs in drain and unclogging can keep bugs out and ensure your pipes are working correctly. Adult drain flies and other drain bugs love clogged drains because of the moist environment they provide for the flies to lay their eggs. Ensuring your drains are not clogged is one of the first steps you should take when maintaining them and preventing bugs.
Test the Drain
If you are unsure where the bugs in your house may be coming from, you can check your drains by putting a piece of tape or two over the drain and leaving it overnight. Make sure that some of the drain is still uncovered. Since most of the bugs that will come through the drain are nocturnal, this piece of tape will most likely trap any that try to come through. Inspect the tape in the morning, and if there are no bugs on the tape, the bugs may be coming through another area in your home.
Check for Other Openings
If you have found that there are no bugs in drain, check for cracks or openings around your bathroom. Cracked windows or screens can be an easy way for bugs to get in and should be taken care of.
How to Stop Bugs from Coming Up the Drain
Once you have identified that your drains are what are letting bugs into your home, there are several steps you can take to prevent them from coming through.
Use Drain Covers
Consider installing drain covers or stoppers when drains are not in use. These covers will help stop bugs from coming up the drain; however, be sure to choose covers with mesh screens to block insects and debris.
Plug the Drain
When you are not using your shower or bathtub, one of the easiest ways to stop bugs coming out of drain is to plug them. This can also be a good practice for your sink drains as it will keep you from dropping items such as jewelry down them. However, it is essential to check for other issues that a quick-fix may not address directly.
Reduce Moisture in Your Home
The bugs that live in drains are most attracted to moisture in your drain and home. While you can’t control the moisture in your drain, you can ensure that your home is not holding a high level of moisture. You can address this by making sure your house has enough ventilation, as well as installing a dehumidifier for the best results.
Pour a Mixture Down Your Drain
You can get rid of any bugs that might be living in your drain by mixing a cup of white vinegar with a half cup of baking soda and salt. Pour the mixture down the drain, and let it sit for 24 hours. Once it has sat, pour boiling water down the drain to kill any bugs and clean the drain. This practice is also a way to clean any debris that may be stuck in your pipes, preventing your shower or bathtub from draining correctly. Drain cleaners can be used for this purpose as well.
Check for Things Attracting Bugs
It is essential to check your home for things attracting bugs through your drain or elsewhere. Things like standing water, open trash areas, rotting food, dirty appliances, or exposed pet food can all attract bugs through many openings in your home. It can be very beneficial to regularly check for these hazards that could be attracting bugs into your home as it can make your home a healthier place to live.
Essential Oil Drain Sachets
Create small sachets filled with bug-repelling essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint. Place these sachets near or inside your drain openings. The aroma from the essential oils can deter bugs from approaching the drains.
Homemade Citrus Drain Cleaner
Citrus peels like lemon, lime, or orange are natural bug repellents. Create a homemade cleaner by grinding citrus peels and pouring the mixture down the drain. The scent will discourage bugs from venturing up the drain.
Homemade Vinegar Trap
Create a simple vinegar trap by placing a small bowl or cup filled with vinegar near the drain openings. Bugs are attracted to the vinegar smell and will be lured away from the drain.
Baking Soda and Salt Barrier
Sprinkle a mixture of baking soda and salt around your drain openings. This abrasive barrier can deter bugs from crawling up the drainpipes. Reapply the mixture periodically to maintain its effectiveness.
Regularly Clean Your Drains
Regularly cleaning your drains will allow them to work as effectively as possible and reduce the chances of bugs coming out of drain. There are many ways to go about this, such as using a drain cleaner or drain snake. At Goodbee, we offer drain cleaning services, which can be a tedious task for homeowners.
Pest Bait Traps
Place pest bait traps near your drains to capture bugs and insects. If the traps consistently catch bugs commonly found in drains, it may indicate that the drain is the entry point for these pests.
Drain Smoke Test
Perform a drain smoke test to determine if there are any leaks or openings in the drain system that bugs could be used to enter your home. To do this, block off all drain openings in your bathroom and run water in the sink. Then, use smoke pellets or a smoke generator designed for plumbing tests and introduce smoke into the drain. If you see smoke coming up from other drain openings or cracks in the walls or floors, it indicates an area that is in need of help. If you are not comfortable with this process, do not attempt it since it may cause more significant damage. Instead, contact a professional and rest assured that any tests are being performed correctly.
Drain Water Level Monitoring
Install a water level monitoring device in your drains. These devices can alert you to any unusual fluctuations in water levels within your drain pipes, which could be caused by bugs or pests moving through the drains. Sudden changes in water levels can be a sign of unwanted intruders.
Nighttime Drain Inspection
Perform a nighttime drain inspection with a flashlight since this is when many pests are active. Look for any signs of bugs emerging from the drain or congregating around it.
Seek Professional Help
If bugs continue to emerge from your drains despite your best preventative efforts, there may be an underlying plumbing or drain issue requiring professional attention. A seasoned plumber can inspect for potential problems and resolve them effectively. One effective method is a drain camera inspection, which allows you and the plumber to visually assess the condition of the drain system and look for any signs of pests.
Call Goodbee for Your Drain Problems
Suppose bugs are regularly coming through your drain and cannot be prevented from any of the methods mentioned above. In that case, there is likely an underlying plumbing or drain issue that needs to be addressed by a professional. An experienced plumber will inspect any possible problems and fix them with ease.
At Goodbee Plumbing, we are here to help you with any plumbing or drain problem you may encounter. We offer drain cleaning, sewer services, plumbing inspection and repairs, leak detection, water treatment, gas inspection, and many other services. With over 25 years of experience, our family-owned company is prepared to help you with all of your plumbing needs, whether they involve bugs coming through your drains or not. Our goal is to offer cost-effective solutions while efficiently addressing and fixing your issue. Contact us today to schedule your service!