No matter how often you clean, something unsettling lingers in the bathroom: the occasional scuttling of tiny legs from the drains.
Could bugs really be coming up through the very pipes meant to carry water away? Surprisingly, the solution can be as simple as a party balloon.
Even with regular scrubbing, cockroaches often appear in bathrooms, especially near showers. These pests thrive in warm, damp environments, and drains provide the perfect conditions.
What few people know is that a standard balloon can act as a flexible barrier, blocking bugs from emerging through the plumbing. It sounds unconventional, but it’s low-cost, simple, and effective.
Cockroaches can squeeze through tiny openings in pipe systems, particularly in drains that stay moist. A balloon narrows the entry point while still allowing water to flow normally.
How to use it:
Remove your shower drain cover.
Cut the ends off a standard balloon to create a stretchy tube.
Slide the balloon over the drain so it fits snugly.
Reinstall the cover.
For best results, combine this trick with good bathroom habits:
Keep surfaces as dry as possible.
Wipe down the shower after use.
Clean around the drain regularly.
Inspect and seal tiny gaps around pipes, tiles, or walls. Even minor openings can become pathways for insects.
By pairing this simple balloon technique with routine maintenance, you can significantly reduce unwelcome visitors and maintain a cleaner, fresher bathroom.
Conclusion
A party balloon might seem like an unlikely hero, but it’s a surprisingly effective way to keep cockroaches out of your shower. Combined with proper cleaning and sealing gaps around pipes, this small step can make a big difference, creating a safer, more hygienic, and pest-free bathroom.