Many people scrub their bathrooms often yet still question how cockroaches manage to show up especially inside the shower.
These insects are naturally attracted to warm, moist environments, and bathroom drains offer the perfect conditions.
What most homeowners don’t realize is that a simple party balloon can act as a barrier to stop bugs from coming up through the plumbing. It may sound strange, but this inexpensive hack has quickly become a go-to solution for anyone wanting extra bathroom protection without much work.
Cockroaches frequently move through pipe systems and can squeeze through incredibly small spaces, particularly in drains that stay damp. By turning a balloon into a flexible seal, you can shrink the size of that opening while still letting water flow.

The method is straightforward: remove your shower drain cover, cut the ends off a regular balloon to form a stretchy tube, and slide it around the drain cover so it fits tightly.
When you reinstall the cover, the balloon creates a slimmer, protective channel.
This balloon trick works best when paired with good bathroom habits. Keeping the space as dry as possible, wiping surfaces after showering, and cleaning around the drain help reduce the humi:dity that attracts these pests. All of these small steps make your bathroom less appealing to insects.
Lastly, check for tiny cracks or gaps around pipes, tiles, or walls, and seal them if necessary. Even the smallest openings can become entry routes. With basic upkeep and the balloon method together, you can drastically cut down on unwelcome pests and keep your shower area cleaner, fresher, and more comfortable.