'I'm a pest expert - this bathwater mistake may draw silverfish and cockroaches into your home'

Cockroach near a plug hole
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)


Thought cockroaches weren't a problem in the UK? Think again. A pest expert has now warned of a surprising bathwater mistake that may draw these creepy crawlies into your home.

Joshua Houston, a property specialist at Household Quotes, said: "No one wants pests inside their home, so it’s important that you take into consideration the areas of your property that are vulnerable. The last thing you want is to see a cockroach running up the wall while you’re having a shower."

Joshua's advice boils down to the way you leave your shower or bath after a scrub. Remarkably, he stressed that leftover water can be 'an ideal breeding ground' for these creatures - especially if the room is already damp, warm and humid.

"Also, given we don’t spend much time in the bathroom it allows for these pests to easily multiply," his advice added. As of now, there are two main types of cockroach found in the UK, according to Newcastle City Council.

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This includes the 16mm-sized German cockroach that can fly, climb and even swim. Typically, these are found in moist but warm environments - especially near 'heating systems in large buildings'.

Meanwhile, the Oriental cockroach will opt to live under rubbish bins or near damp shady areas on the ground. But sometimes, you can find them living it large within toilets, pipes and even bathtubs.

While this already sounds like the stuff of nightmares, Joshua said that cockroaches aren't the only pests to love moist conditions either. As it turns out, silverfish may thrive in bathrooms too.

Albeit tiny, these pesky grey insects are a nuisance to deal with. They may feast on anything and everything in sight - whether that's your brand new wallpaper or favourite dress. So, aside from keeping your tub well-drained, it's crucial to ventilate your bathroom too.

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"It's also not hard to keep some of these pests out of your home, in certain cases it’s as simple as picking up after yourself," Joshua added. Aside from this, he also suggested giving your kitchen countertops and floor a good clean as various pests will be over the Moon to find crumbs on the floor.

His advice went on: "Kitchens are popular with pests [too] as it’s the area of your home where you cook and prepare food. It’s not uncommon for pieces to fall on the floor, which attracts pests looking for an easy meal. Ensure that all food that is spilt on the countertop or floor is cleaned up quickly, this will give pests nothing."

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