Many people clean their bathrooms regularly yet still wonder how cockroaches keep appearing — especially in the shower area. These pests are naturally drawn to warm, damp spaces, and bathroom drains create the perfect environment for them to hide and travel.
What most homeowners don’t realize is that something as simple as a regular party balloon can act as a surprisingly effective barrier, blocking bugs from coming up through the pipes. It sounds unusual, but this inexpensive little hack has become an increasingly popular way to add extra protection to your bathroom with almost no effort.
Cockroaches often move through plumbing systems and can slip through shockingly tiny openings, especially in drains that stay moist. By turning a balloon into a flexible lining, you can reduce the size of the passageway while still allowing water to pass through normally.
The technique is easy:
remove the shower drain cover, cut the ends off an ordinary balloon so it becomes a stretchy sleeve, and slide it onto the drain cover so it fits snugly.
Once you reattach the cover, the balloon forms a slimmer, protective channel that makes it much harder for insects to squeeze through.
This balloon method works even better when combined with good everyday bathroom habits. Keeping the area dry, wiping surfaces after you shower, and regularly cleaning the drain help lower humidity — one of the key things that attracts cockroaches. These small changes make the bathroom far less appealing to pests.
Finally, check for tiny cracks or gaps around pipes, tiles, or walls, and seal them if needed. Even the smallest crevice can become an unexpected entry point. By combining basic maintenance with this clever balloon trick, you can significantly reduce unwanted visitors and keep your shower cleaner, fresher, and far more comfortable.