Types of Bathroom Bugs

Cockroaches

• Cockroaches are also known as palmetto bugs, croton bugs or waterbugs and are common pests in many homes. Some common types of cockroaches are German roaches, Asian roaches and the American cockroach. Many roaches are small, but some can be quite large, measuring up to 2 inches in length. Most cockroaches hide during the daytime, but come out at night in search of food. The kitchen, bathroom, around baseboards and in the garage are favorite places for roaches. To keep cockroaches out of your bathroom you must cut off their water source. Avoid allowing water to stand in your bathroom sink and repair any leaking pipes in your bathroom to aid in cockroach control.
  
  

Centipedes

• House centipedes are arthropods with long segmented bodies and 15 pairs of legs. These pests may measure up to 1 1/2 inches in length and are gray or brown in color. Centipedes live primarily in damp areas such as basements, bathrooms and closets. Many homeowners find centipedes in their bathtub or in the bathroom sink. According to Iowa State University, centipedes can bite humans but are not poisonous. Centipedes feed on spiders and small insects found inside or outside the home. If you have centipedes inside your home, you can place insecticides or baits for control.
  
  

House Flies

• Filter flies are often found in bathrooms, kitchens and around garbage cans. These flies are 1/16 to 1/18 inches in length and are also known as moth flies. Filter flies have a fairly short lifespan, just seven to 20 days. Adult females lay their eggs in garbage cans or other decomposing organic matter. Controlling filter flies is best accomplished by destroying areas where they breed, placing tight lids on garbage cans and removing standing water in bathrooms and kitchens. Heavy infestations may require the use of insecticides to achieve control.
  
  

Carpenter Ants

• Many homeowners are alarmed to find large, black ants in their bathroom sink or shower stall. Carpenter ants are common bathroom pests that are usually 1/4 to 1/2 inches in length. Carpenter ants can damage wood inside your home when making their nest, a result that looks similar to termite damage. These ants prefer to live where moisture abounds, making the bathroom and kitchen a perfect place to make their nests. Bathroom sinks and bathtubs often have moisture leaks and carpenter ants often place their nests in the wood near these areas. Controlling carpenter ants can be difficult, as homeowners must find the nest and destroy it.