Headed out on vacation? Don’t forget the sunscreen, but also plug your drains. It might sound strange (and kind of gross), but it’s a pro move that could save you from a nasty surprise when you return. According to pest experts, unplugged drains are one of the easiest ways for cockroaches to sneak into your home, especially when you’re away.
Why drains? They’re dark, moist, and sometimes coated in food particles or soap scum—basically, a roach’s dream getaway. “Your home’s plumbing is like a protected highway for cockroaches,” says Dr. Jim Frederick, entomologist and VP at the National Pest Management Association. These pests can swim, survive in submerged conditions, and squeeze through openings as small as 1/16 inch.
Normally, drains have a built-in water barrier called a P-trap that prevents gases and bugs from entering. However, if a sink isn’t used regularly, such as in guest bathrooms or when you’re out of town, the water in the P-trap can evaporate, leaving your home vulnerable.
Here’s how to block the bug invasion before it starts:
- Run water in all drains before you leave to refresh the P-trap.
- Use a tight-fitting drain plug to seal the drain and prevent evaporation.
- Don’t rely on just covering the drain with a bowl—roaches are master escape artists.
- Clean up! Empty the trash, wipe down surfaces, and store food in sealed containers.
“Think of plugging your drains as setting up a security system against pests,” says Trent Frazer of Aptive. If you’re already seeing bugs crawling up from drains, it may be time to call in the pros.
It’s simple. It’s fast. And it just might save your vacation from ending in a roach-infested nightmare.
