How to stop insects crawling into house through bath tub drain outlet?

Meltedpond

Hi

I purchased a new house over a year ago and didn’t have any insects crawling into the house through the bath tub drain outlet.  Recently they started crawling in the house, I poured boiling hot water to the bath tub drain outlet and it worked for a couple of days.  Last night I checked the bath tub drain outlet and found a few of them, I would be greatly appreciated if someone could provide a solution to resolve this problem please?

Sorry I didn’t have photos of the insects, they looked very much like brown beetles.

Thanks and regards 

Henry

EricL

Hello @Meltedpond 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about insects coming through the bath drain.

It sounds like you've been dealing with an unwelcome insect intrusion through your bathtub drain outlet. Pouring boiling water was a good temporary fix, but for a longer-lasting solution, there are a few steps you can take.

First, consider using a drain cleaner that targets organic buildup, which might be attracting the insects. The store carries products like Drain Clean that can help break down any residue in the pipes, reducing the appeal to pests. After using a cleaner, flushing the drain with boiling water can help ensure its thoroughly cleared.

Next, you might want to use a drain cover or stopper to block the entry point when the tub is not in use. This simple measure can prevent insects from coming through the drain.

Additionally, if the problem persists, consider using a household insecticide spray around the drain area, focusing on the entry points. Bunnings offers a variety of insect sprays that can help create a barrier to keep insects from entering.

If the issue continues, it might be worth checking if there's an underlying issue with the plumbing, such as cracks or gaps, and consulting a professional plumber could be beneficial to ensure there are no larger issues at play.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric