Cockroaches showing up in your bathroom have a special way of ruining your entire day. If you’ve ever stepped into the shower only to spot one crawling out of the drain, you already know how unsettling it is. The good news? There’s a surprisingly simple trick—yes, involving an ordinary balloon—that can help block them from invading your bathroom. And it works far better than you’d expect.
Why Roaches Love Your Bathroom
Let’s be honest, cockroaches are nobody’s idea of a welcome guest. These little survivors can squeeze through openings you didn’t even know your home had. Drains, pipes, dark corners—they treat them like luxury hotels.
Your bathroom, with all its warmth and moisture, is prime real estate in their world. Shower drains are basically front doors for roaches looking for a quiet, damp place to hang out. Not exactly the spa vibe you had in mind.
Cleanliness Comes First
Before we get to the balloon trick, it’s important to note that basic hygiene plays a huge role in keeping roaches out. Wipe up standing water. Keep surfaces dry. Don’t let dishes or old food sit around in the kitchen, because the smell can attract pests that eventually make their way to your bathroom.
A clean home is your strongest defense—but sometimes you still need an extra tool in your arsenal.
The Balloon Trick That Stops Roaches at the Source
If you’ve tried everything yet roaches still seem determined to make dramatic entrances from your shower drain, here’s the hack that people swear by.
Remove the shower drain cover. Grab an ordinary balloon—the kind you’d use for a birthday party will do. Cut off the end where you blow air, then cut off the opposite end as well. Slide the drain cover into the balloon just like shown in the tutorial.
The cut opening still lets water flow through normally, but the balloon tightens the space enough to keep cockroaches from crawling up through the drain.
It’s simple. It’s cheap. And shockingly, it works.
Just remember to switch out the balloon from time to time so it stays effective.
VIDEO:
Don’t Forget Roach-Proofing the Rest of the Bathroom
Blocking the drain is a great start, but prevention goes beyond one spot.
Check along the walls, baseboards, and corners for cracks or tiny gaps. Roaches don’t need much space to squeeze through, so sealing those openings is a big help. Keep toilet lids closed. Clean the sink area regularly. The cleaner your bathroom stays, the fewer invitations you accidentally send out to pests.
Take Back Your Bathroom
Roaches crawling from the drain might feel like one of those problems you’ll never fully solve, but you absolutely can. With this balloon hack, plus a commitment to keeping your bathroom clean and dry, you can reclaim your space and stop the creepy visitors from showing up unannounced.
