What Pests Live In Drains and Preventative Measures That You Can Take

You may have noticed some bugs appearing in your bathroom or kitchen and aren’t sure how they are gaining entry. Well, it could be through your drains, and there may be even more problems that you aren’t aware of taking place beneath the surface.

It can be unsettling to remove insects from a room only to turn around and see they have multiplied in the same place. Sometimes, you might even be doing all the right things, such as keeping a clean and tidy area or checking there are no external entry points for pests to venture inside. However, the source can often be through your drainage system. This blog explores what pests live in drains and why it’s important to take prompt action.

What Pests Are Most Likely to Live In Drains and Why This May Become an Escalated Problem

Pests like to hide around households, and it is much more problematic to play hide-and-seek when they are in an area like a drain. This can make it much harder to spot if this is the indoor entry point.

Some pests are attracted to moisture, so they use drainage systems to enter the home. The dark and wet conditions also provide the perfect place for them to breed. 

Not only do some insects have the ability to swim upwards and make it upstairs into our bathrooms, but even within our outdoor drain pipes themselves can develop blockages. If left without action being taken, damage can occur. This will result in you needing to pay out for new plumbing work, and on top of that, you may have to deal with a full-scale infestation.

The following pests are the ones most likely to cause you problems in your drains: 

Cockroaches 

Cockroaches thrive in warm and humid environments and drains provide access to both water and food sources. These insects present health hazards due to the viruses and bacteria they possess. This can lead to having serious implications for illnesses (such as food poisoning) and allergies, which can trigger conditions like asthma. So, getting help is imperative if you have a cockroach infestation. We advise inspecting your drains for any leaks and sealing any if found. Learn signs to look out for if you suspect you may have cockroaches in your property. 

Due to the nature of this insect, they can spread rapidly throughout a home or business. Therefore, a quick response and treatment is essential as soon as they are spotted.

Flies 

There’s a reason some species of flies are named ‘drain flies’ because that’s where they like to live. They survive on decaying matter, which doesn’t make its way out of a U-bend in pipework due to water not being powerful enough to flush it out.

Flies carry bacteria and disease, so they certainly aren’t what you would want around your kitchen area. Luckily, this problem can usually be eliminated by cleaning your pipework regularly with a high-powered flush, pouring boiling water or diluted bleach down your sink’s drain, and adding a drain cover. However, if an infestation has gotten out of hand and you find yourself with a large number of flies emerging from your drains, we offer an effective fly control solution.

Silverfish

Although silverfish are harmless, they can multiply fast. Silverfish are drawn to damp areas. You’ll likely find them hiding in dark corners in the surrounding area of a kitchen or bathroom. These can be tackled in a similar way to flies if they are within your drains.

Rodents

Of course, rodents can’t come up your plug holes like the other insects. However, they can cause mass damage to pipework, and if they gnaw through and find a way inside, then the damage can be vast. 

Often, rats and mice venture into drains to seek shelter from the outside conditions. Aside from the damage they can cause if they make it inside, such as chewing through wiring…and just about anything else they want to, they can also cause blockages in the lower pipework. 

Look for any collapsed pipework; this will need replacing, along with fitting covers to prevent them from gaining entry again. 

If you think you have a rat or mouse infestation, we can provide a no-obligation free quote to survey the problem. Learn more about what to expect with our rat control process.

Have You Found a Pest Infestation? 

We’ve been dealing with unwanted pests for homes and businesses in and around Nottingham for over 25 years. We are members of the NPTA and PROMPT and provide a fully guaranteed service on all pest control work we undertake. If you’ve got an infestation, get in touch today, and we’ll get you pest-free in no time.