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Insects are often found in the bathroom. Black and red worms in particular often feel at home there. In order to get rid of them, you must first recognize them. How to identify and fight worms in the bathroom.

In a nutshell

  • are usually not worms, but larvae
  • They can be attracted to moisture, but it doesn't have to be
  • bathroom also often provides food sources
  • Regular, thorough cleaning and the use of home remedies (e.g. vinegar) promise a remedy

Worms in the bathroom: causes

Regardless of the type of red and black worms in the bathroom, in very few cases is it a hygienic cause. However, the mass of people sees these contemporaries as a hygienic problem, which they can also represent.

It mainly consists of offspring larvae, which were usually deposited by beetles, flies or butterfly species in the bathroom when the conditions are optimal. In the bathroom, this can be moisture, food sources such as dander and hair, but also certain materials. These include wood and textiles in particular.

beetle

Although the spotted beetle (Cleridae) does not directly prefer wet rooms, it is primarily attracted to mold that forms where moisture is present. He prefers to be protected behind wooden paneling when it absorbs moisture from bathing/showering. Here he lays his eggs, from which red worms develop.

Recognize

Ant beetle larva (Thanasimus formicarius)
  • Size of the larvae: up to about five millimeters
  • Colour: white to reddish in colour
  • Head: black
  • Body shape: Elongated, cylindrical to slightly flattened body cross-section
  • Bald or densely hairy posterior (partly felty hairy)

Fight

Since it is not a pest, control is not absolutely necessary. On the contrary, spotted beetles are farm animals because they eat other pests, such as bark beetles. Therefore, it is recommended to simply collect the larvae and release them alive in nature.

fur beetle

The fur beetle (Attagenus pellio) usually enters the living area and the bathroom through open windows and doors if food sources for the offspring can be found there. The beetle itself is not the problem, but its larvae, because they eat through different types of textiles. Cotton bathroom rugs and towels will be eaten completely bare by a larva if not stopped. If dirty laundry is collected in the bathroom, the path also leads there. Skin scales and hair are also used for food. Otherwise, however, they are often active in wardrobes. If they are red or reddish-looking worms, they are the larvae of the spotted fur beetle.

Recognize

Fur beetle larvae
  • Size of the larvae: between eight and ten millimeters long
  • Colour: initially golden yellow, older larvae become increasingly reddish, shiny surface
  • Head: widest part of the body
  • Body shape: elongated, worm-like
  • long, light brown, brush-like arranged hair at the end of the body
  • short hairs spread over body (toxic)

Fight

Fur beetle red worms are pests that should be controlled as follows:

  • remove hair and dander from sanitary facilities
  • Vacuum the bathroom thoroughly and ideally vacuum up larvae
  • wipe each area with a 1:4 mixture of vinegar essence and water (don't like the smell)
  • Treat non-washable textiles with a steam cleaner
  • Wash washable textiles at at least 60 degrees - otherwise dry cleaning
  • Remove dirty laundry from bathroom
  • Repeat meticulous basic cleaning every two days
  • after seven to ten days they should all be gone
  • alternatively: use biocide-free agents (more environmentally friendly than chemical insecticides)

bacon beetle

When it gets dark outside and the light is on in the bathroom with the window open, the bacon beetles (Dermestidae) are drawn in. Sometimes they get into the bathroom with their clothes. If hair, skin flakes or natural fibers are available there as a food source for their larvae and it is also nice and warm there, they lay their eggs in a dark place. The larvae also like to hide there later. They are often found under drawer bottoms and cupboards.

Recognize

Carpet beetle larva (Anthrenus scropuhulariae)
Source: Arnoldius, Anthrenus scrophulariae (larva), Edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Size of the larvae: up to 10 millimeters
  • Colour: reddish brown to black
  • Body shape: compact, roundish-oval
  • tuft-like bristle hairs on back

combat

To get rid of the worm-like larvae from the bathroom, the same as described under "fur beetle" helps.

Tip: Spot reddish-brown/red worms in the bathroom, avoid skin contact. If it is the larvae of the bacon beetle, the arrow hairs can cause an allergic reaction on contact. The same goes for their excrement.

butterfly gnats

The larvae of butterfly mosquitoes (Psychodidae) like to stay in or near sewage. That is why black worms are often found in bathrooms. There they crawl out of the drainpipes of showers, sinks and climb up out of toilets.

Recognize

Clogmia albipunctata - adult animal
  • Size of the larvae: between four and ten millimeters long
  • Color: dark brown to black worms, dark rump
  • Head: clearly visible head capsule with small antennae
  • Body shape: elongated, worm-like, widening towards the back
  • diurnal black worms
  • lateral bristles

Fight

These larvae are very persistent. To get rid of those affected decide numerous for a pest controller. Nevertheless, it is worth trying to deprive them of their food substrate, which is present as a gelatinous film in the sewage pipes. To do this, use a pipe brush that is inserted into the affected pipes several times a day for at least a week. The use of common household cleaners enhances the desired effect of dissolving food.

Tip: Regular cleaning of drain lines at short intervals is the best prevention for the "intrusion" of unwanted insects/pests. The removal of hair and soap residue should always be combined with the use of home remedies for drain cleaning.

frequently asked Questions

Can red worms also be silverfish larvae?

No, because the larvae of silverfish are initially whitish and then progressively turn grayer and silver like the adults.

Can I get rid of red and black worms with regular insecticides?

Theoretically yes, but if they are chemical insecticides, you should refrain from using them. These agents are harmful to health and extremely harmful to the environment.

What should be considered when sucking up red and black worms?

After vacuuming, the filter should be emptied into a rubbish bag, closed tightly and disposed of with household rubbish. If you have a vacuum cleaner bag, it should also be placed in a resealable garbage bag. If you don't do this immediately after sucking it up, the larvae will crawl out again.

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Category:

Garden pests