It started like any other shower—steam rising, water running—but then I noticed tiny tracks near the drain.
How long had they been coming and going unnoticed? The usual cleaners and sprays didn’t seem to stop them. That’s when a simple, almost laughably ordinary solution caught my attention: a party balloon. What followed was a small trick that changed my bathroom routine—and the way pests tried to invade.
Bathrooms are prime real estate for cockroaches. The warmth, moisture, and easy access around showers and plumbing make drains a natural entry point. Even spotless bathrooms aren’t always immune. One surprisingly effective method uses something everyone has lying around at home: a balloon.
Here’s how it works: cockroaches can squeeze through tiny gaps in plumbing, and damp drains make the perfect highway into your bathroom. By reducing the size of the drain opening with a balloon, you make it much harder for pests to crawl through—without disrupting water flow.
To try it: remove the shower drain cover. Cut the ends off a balloon to create a flexible tube that fits snugly around the cover. Stretch it tightly over the drain, then replace the cover. The result? A subtle but effective barrier that cockroaches struggle to overcome.
For best results, combine this trick with good bathroom habits: keep surfaces dry, clean drains regularly, and manage moisture. Inspect pipes and walls for gaps or cracks, sealing them to prevent insects from finding alternate routes. Together, these steps create a cleaner, more comfortable bathroom while dramatically reducing unwanted guests.
Conclusion
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the smartest. A humble balloon, paired with regular cleaning and moisture control, can turn your shower drain from a cockroach highway into a secure barrier. A little creativity goes a long way in keeping your bathroom clean, comfortable, and pest-free.