Many people keep their bathrooms spotless. yet still wonder how cockroaches manage to appear. especially in the shower. These pests are drawn to warm and damp places. and the inside of a drain happens to be ideal for them.

What most homeowners don’t realize is that a simple party balloon can work as a small barrier that keeps bugs from climbing up through the pipes. It sounds unusual. but this cheap little trick has become popular among people looking for an easy extra layer of protection.

Cockroaches often travel through plumbing and can slip through tiny gaps. particularly in drains that stay wet. By turning a balloon into a flexible seal. you can make that opening much tighter while still allowing water to pass through.

The process is simple. Take off your shower drain cover. cut the ends off a standard balloon so it forms a stretchy tube. then slide it around the drain cover until it fits snugly. Once you put the cover back. the balloon creates a narrower and more controlled passageway.

This balloon method is most effective when combined with good bathroom habits. Keeping the area dry. wiping down surfaces after showering. and cleaning around the drain help reduce the moisture that attracts insects. Small changes like these make your bathroom far less inviting to pests.

It also helps to look for hairline gaps around pipes. tiles. or walls. and seal them if needed. Even the smallest crack can serve as an entry point. With a little routine maintenance and this balloon technique. you can significantly limit unwanted bugs and keep your shower fresher and more comfortable.