How to Shower Outdoors, Minus the Bugs

Once the outdoor shower is installed, your bath products set on a stool, and the scented candles are lit, it’s easy to get in the mood for a great showering experience.

But when you’re showering outdoors, few things can kill that mood as instantly as creepy-crawly (or annoyingly airborne) insect visitors.

Bugs are, unfortunately, a natural part of bathing outside. They didn’t ask for you to create an outdoor shower next to their nest, but now that you have, you might as well learn how to deal.

12 Common Bugs Found in Outdoor Showers & How to Deal With Them

An outdoor shower is a great way to enjoy nature and beat the heat during the summer months. However, sharing your shower space with bugs can be a nuisance and even a potential health hazard.

Whether it’s pesky mosquitoes, buzzing flies, or venomous spiders, bugs can quickly ruin the peaceful experience of an outdoor shower.

Below are some of the most common bugs that you may encounter while showering outdoors, what attracts them to the area, and how to deal with them effectively.

With the right knowledge and preparation, you can make the most of your outdoor shower while keeping the bugs at bay.

1. Mosquitoes: The Annoying Bloodsuckers

Mosquitoes are the most common insects that affect people while showering outdoors.

They are attracted to standing water, such as a birdbath or puddles, and are drawn to the carbon dioxide we exhale.

Mosquito bites are not only annoying and itchy but can also transmit diseases like West Nile virus and malaria.

One effective method to keep mosquitoes away is to use a mosquito net around the shower area, which can provide an effective barrier against these pesky insects.

Additionally, you can try using essential oils like citronella, lavender, or peppermint, which are natural mosquito repellents. These oils can be added to a diffuser or sprayed directly onto your skin.

Finally, eliminating any standing water around the shower area can help reduce the mosquito population, as they lay their eggs in stagnant water.

2. Flies: The Persistent Buzzers

Flies are attracted to strong smells, including sweat and perfumes. They can also be drawn to food or drinks left out near the shower area.

Flies are not only annoying but can also carry disease-causing bacteria.

To keep flies away, cover any food or drinks in the shower area and dispose of any waste properly. This will help eliminate any attractive smells that may draw flies.

You can also try using a fly repellent or trap around the shower area, which can be effective in reducing the number of flies.

Another option is to plant herbs like basil, mint, or lavender around the shower area, which can act as natural fly repellents.

Additionally, keeping the shower area clean and dry can help reduce the number of flies, as they are attracted to damp and dirty environments.

3. Bees: The Pollinators Turned Aggressors

Bees are attracted to flowers and sweet-smelling products like shampoos and soaps.

When threatened, they can sting, which can be painful and even dangerous for people with allergies.

To avoid attracting bees, avoid using scented products when showering outdoors.

If bees are present, however, try to remain calm and still and avoid swatting at them. Move slowly away from the area, and if you get stung, remove the stinger and apply a cold compress.

4. Spiders: The Silent Weavers

Spiders are attracted to dark and damp areas, which makes outdoor showers a prime spot for them. While most spiders are harmless, some can be poisonous and cause severe reactions.

To keep spiders away, keep the shower area clean and free of clutter. You can also use a natural repellent like peppermint oil or vinegar.

If you spot a spider, try to remove it with a broom or vacuum, and wear gloves to avoid getting bitten.

5. Wasps: The Fatal Stingers

Wasps can be a common sight around outdoor showers, especially if there are nearby flowering plants or fruit trees that attract them.

They may also build their nests in or around the shower area, which can be dangerous if disturbed.

To deal with wasps, it’s important to avoid wearing brightly colored or floral-patterned clothing, which can attract them.

Additionally, keep the shower area clean and dry, and avoid using sweet-smelling soaps or shampoos, which can draw wasps.

Plus, if you see a wasp nest near your shower area, do not try to remove it yourself, as this can be dangerous. Instead, seek professional help to ensure that the nest is removed safely and effectively.

6. Ants: The Territorial Invaders

Ants can be a common sight around outdoor showers, and it’s not surprising why. They’re attracted to water sources, and outdoor showers provide just that.

Plus, if you happen to leave any crumbs or food scraps lying around, they’ll be sure to make their way over to your shower area in no time.

But don’t worry, there are ways to get rid of them. First things first, keep your outdoor shower area clean and dry. Make sure to dispose of any food or waste properly, and remove any standing water.

You can also use ant repellents or traps around the shower area, or plant herbs like basil, mint, or lavender, which are natural ant repellents.

If you do spot an ant trail leading to your shower area, use a mixture of vinegar and water to disrupt the trail and discourage them from returning.

7. Snails & Slugs: The Slimy Intruders

Snails and slugs may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of outdoor showers, but they can be a common sight, especially in areas with high humidity.

They’re drawn to moist and damp areas and are also attracted to any leftover soap or shampoo residue that may be left in your shower area.

To keep snails and slugs at bay, it’s important to keep the shower area clean and dry and to remove any standing water or damp materials that they may be attracted to. Plus, just make sure to clean up any soap or shampoo residue after each use.

You can also sprinkle diatomaceous earth or coffee grounds around the perimeter of your shower area, as snails and slugs dislike the rough texture of these substances.

NOTE: According to the research team at the USDA, while coffee grounds are known to repel slugs, a caffeine solution is found to be more efficient. The team found that slugs tend to retreat immediately upon contact with caffeinated soil.

Another option is to use a natural slug and snail repellent, such as copper tape, which creates an electrical charge that deters them from crossing over.

Some bathroom plants are known to be susceptible to slug and snail damage including ferns, spider plants, and peace lilies.

If you’re concerned about slugs and snails being attracted to and damaging your bathroom plants, try removing any such nearby plants that snails or slugs may feed on that can help reduce their population.

Better yet, take the steps above to ensure that your outdoor shower stays snail-free and enjoyable.

8. Moths: The Light Seekers

Moths can be attracted to your outdoor bathroom due to the presence of light sources. Bugs, in general, are attracted to light, and moths are no exception.

If you have bright lights in your outdoor bathroom, it’s likely that moths will flock to it.

To keep them away, consider using yellow light bulbs, as they are less attractive to insects than white or blue lights.

Additionally, you can use insect-repellent sprays or sticky traps to catch and remove any stray moths that make their way into your bathroom.

9. Praying Mantis: The Preying Predators

Praying mantis may be attracted to your outdoor bathroom because they prey on other insects, which may be present in the space.

If you want to keep these predators at bay, make sure to remove any sources of standing water or debris, as this can attract other insects that the praying mantis may prey on.

Additionally, you can install screens on your windows or doors to prevent these insects from entering your bathroom.

10. Scorpions: The Painful Stingers

Scorpions are also attracted to dark and damp environments and can be a common pest in outdoor bathrooms.

Because scorpions can be venomous and their sting cause pain, swelling, and other symptoms, you want to be very careful when dealing with them.

To keep them away, make sure to keep your bathroom clean and free of clutter, as this can attract other insects that scorpions may prey on.

Additionally, you can use insecticide sprays or baits to deter them from entering your space. More so, consider sealing any cracks or crevices in your bathroom’s walls or foundation to prevent scorpions from entering your space.

11. Crickets: The Chirping Noisemakers

Crickets are attracted to outdoor bathrooms due to the presence of moisture and hiding places. They can be quite noisy and disruptive to your peace and quiet.

Make sure to keep your bathroom clean and dry, with no standing water or clutter. Plus, using a dehumidifier or a fan will help keep the space dry and well-ventilated.

Another way to keep crickets away is by sealing any cracks or crevices in your bathroom’s walls or foundation. Crickets can easily crawl through small openings, so it’s essential to keep them sealed up.

Like with other bugs, use sticky traps or insect-repellent sprays to catch and remove any crickets that make their way into your bathroom.

12. Centipedes: The Creepy Crawlers

Centipedes, likewise, are attracted to damp and dark environments, which can be found in outdoor bathrooms. They can also have a venomous bite that can cause pain and swelling.

You want to make sure to seal any cracks or crevices in your bathroom’s walls or foundation so they don’t access your bathroom. Additionally, you can use insecticide sprays or baits to deter these insects from entering your space.

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By using natural repellents, keeping the area clean, and avoiding attractants, you can enjoy a refreshing outdoor shower without the unwanted company of insects.

If you’re dealing with potentially harmful bugs or a large number of bugs, it may be helpful to contact a pest control professional for assistance.

They can help identify the source of the problem and offer solutions to prevent future infestations so you can enjoy a peaceful and bug-free space to relax and unwind.