Discovering that you have bugs in your bathroom is not only annoying, but it can also be pretty gross. What many homeowners do not know is that a seemingly harmless, damp towel could be all bugs need to thrive. Humidity and damp-loving pests and other organisms migrate to your wet bathroom textiles, causing potential health and hygiene issues in your home.
And we can guarantee you homes with damp textiles have 40 to 70 percent more pest activity compared to a home that dries its textiles properly. What we are going to talk about in this blog is why they love your damp towels so much, and how you can keep them away with a few easy steps. Remember, it is always a wise idea to seek professional help, such as from saelapest.com.
Do Pests Really Love Damp Towels? Why?
Yes, pests really are drawn to wet towels for a few important reasons.
Moist towels present the humidity that many house pests require to flourish. Some insects, such as silverfish, cockroaches, and types of beetles, need moisture to survive without drying out. They have the perfect source of water from your wet bathroom towels and the setting they need to thrive.
In addition to hydration, damp towels can serve as a food source for any number of pests. Moist towels can breed mildew and mold, both of which are great food sources for pests such as booklice and some kinds of mites.
And also, a moist towel emanates heat as bacteria grow on it, remaining a warm microclimate ideal for pests to seek refuge. This combination of moisture, food, and warmth is basically like a five-star hotel for several household pests; your damp towels.
Some common pests attracted to damp towels include:
- Silverfish
- Cockroaches
- Cloth moths
- Carpet beetles
- Booklice
- Various mites
- Fungus gnats
How to Prevent Pests Getting Attracted to Damp Towels?
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Dry Your Towel Instantly
Always hang towels flat instead of folded to speed up drying. Then again, towels are also harbors of dark, damp areas, attracting pests. Hang the towels from towel racks instead of hooks when practical, as they offer more air circulation around the towel. For quicker drying, install a heated towel rail or switch on a bathroom fan while you shower, and for 30 minutes post-shower.
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Wash Towel Regularly
Wash towels weekly in hot water to kill bacteria and rinse or wash food-related stains to eliminate organic matter that bugs might find attractive. You can also add a little detergent and set the washer to the hottest water safe for the towels to help loosen them up and release soap residues that can make them less absorbent, and more likely to stay damp longer if they do finally dry. Add a cup of white vinegar to the wash every now and then to help with the soap removal. Towels are to be dried thoroughly before storing.
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Bathroom Moisture Control
It may help to use a bathroom exhaust fan to diminish overall humidity. Keep bathroom windows open when the weather allows to increase ventilation. Try a dehumidifier in a very damp bathroom, or on very humid days. Examine and fix any drippy faucets or pipes that are contributing unnecessary humidity in your bathroom.
Seek Help Today!
When you have done your part as far as keeping pests out, and you are still seeing some amidst your damp towels in the bathroom, it might be time to bring in the professionals. Your local pest control professionals can help diagnose an individual pest problem and suggest approaches that are tailor-made for your needs.
They have access to chemicals and methods that are not available to the public. They can also flag hidden moisture issues that may be fueling your pest problems. And do not forget that treating pest issues early ensures that you can avoid larger infestations that are harder and more costly to combat.
Do not let moist towels transform your bathroom into a haven for pests. Make a change and improve your home environment immediately!
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