Finding a long brown bug in your bathroom can be a bit unsettling. You may be wondering what type of bug it is and if it poses any threat. If you find that your bathroom is overrun with long brown bugs, this blog is for you.
Common Bathroom Bugs
What are the most common bugs that are lurking around in your bathroom? If you spot a long brown bug in your bathroom, there is a chance it’s one of the following pests.
American Cockroach
The American cockroach is a common bathroom bug that can be found in homes and buildings throughout Florida. They are reddish-brown in color and can grow up to 2 inches in length, making them the largest cockroach and bigger than their German Cockroach counterpart. They have long antennae and wings, but they are not strong fliers. This is lucky for us, as the thought of flying cockroaches is quite unnerving.
Is it common to find cockroaches hiding out in your bathroom? Here’s the deal–American cockroaches are attracted to warm, moist environments, making bathrooms a prime location for them. They can enter your home through cracks and crevices, and once inside, they can quickly reproduce and infest your bathroom. Yuck!
Signs that You Have an American Cockroach Infestation in Your Bathroom
- Sightings of large, reddish-brown cockroaches, especially at night.
- Droppings resembling coffee grounds or black pepper on surfaces.
- An unpleasant, musty odor pervades the space.
- Shed skins or egg cases in hidden areas like behind the toilet or under the sink.
- Unusual smudge marks along wall edges and baseboards.
Silverfish
Silverfish are small, wingless insects that are silver or gray in color. They might even appear brown-ish in some cases. They have long, slender bodies and can grow up to ¾ of an inch in length. They are often found in damp, dark areas, making bathrooms a common place for them to hide.
Silverfish are not harmful to humans, but they can cause damage to books, paper, and clothing. They are also known to eat starchy foods, such as flour and cereal, making your pantry a potential target for infestation.
Signs of a Silverfish Infestation
- Finding small, silvery insects that move quickly in damp areas.
- Noticing tiny holes or feeding marks on wallpaper, books, or fabrics.
- Spotting yellowish stains, scales, or feces on infested materials.
- Experiencing an increase in allergy symptoms due to shed skins.
- Discovering molted skins or tiny, pepper-like feces in storage areas.
Centipedes
Centipedes are long, flat insects with many legs. They can range in color from yellow to brown and can grow up to 6 inches in length. You can find them in damp, dark areas, such as bathrooms, where they can hide in cracks and crevices.
But keep in mind that centipedes are not harmful to humans, but they can give a painful bite if provoked. They are also known to eat other insects, making them beneficial in controlling other pest populations.
What are the Signs of a Centipede Infestation?
- Observing long, slender, multi-legged insects scurrying away quickly when disturbed.
- Finding small, irregular holes or gnaw marks on soft-bodied insects like worms.
- Noticing an increase in other small pest populations, as centipedes are predators.
- Detecting a musty or damp smell where centipedes might be hiding.
- Encountering centipedes in moist areas such as bathrooms, basements, or under sinks.
How to Identify Bathroom Bugs
The first step in identifying a bathroom bug is to take note of its physical characteristics. Is it long and slender, or does it have a rounder body? Does it have wings or antennae? What color is it? These details can help narrow down the type of bug you are dealing with.
Behavior
Observing the behavior of the bug can also provide clues to its identity. Does it scurry quickly when you turn on the light, or does it move slowly? Does it fly or jump? Does it seem to be attracted to water or moisture?
Location
The location of the bug can also be a helpful identifier. Is it found near the sink or shower, or is it crawling on the floor? Is it hiding in a dark corner or out in the open? Did you watch it creep out of the drain?
How to Get Rid of Bathroom Bugs
The best way to get rid of bathroom bugs is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. This can be done by sealing any cracks or crevices where bugs can enter, keeping your bathroom clean and dry, and fixing any leaks or moisture issues.
Natural Remedies
If you have already spotted a bathroom bug, there are some natural remedies you can try to get rid of them. These include:
Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your bathroom. This powder is made from fossilized algae and is safe for humans but deadly to insects.
Placing a small dish of beer or sugar water in the bathroom. Bugs will be attracted to the sweet smell and will drown in the liquid.
Using essential oils, such as peppermint or lemon eucalyptus, to repel bugs. Simply mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spray around the bathroom. Be careful to use essential oils around pets as it can be toxic. Please research the essential oil that you plan to use before applying it as a pest control method.
Professional Pest Control
If natural remedies are not effective, or if you have a severe infestation, it may be necessary to call in a professional pest control service. Drive-Bye Exterminators are skilled to get rid of long brown bugs in the bathroom, along with many other different types of bugs. Best of all, we can help you prevent the infestation from coming back in the future.
Long Brown Bug in Bathroom? Call Drive-Bye Exterminators
If you are struggling with bug infestations in your bathroom, help is available from Drive-Bye Exterminators. Remember to keep your bathroom clean and dry, seal any entry points, and use pest control remedies as needed. Please call us if you have a bug infestation in your bathroom!
