Worms in Toilet: Here’s What’s Going On
You look down into your toilet and spot something you may have least expected: worms. What should you do next to determine what these worms mean and how to get rid of them? Identifying the type of worm is the first step in figuring out how to get rid of them. The next step is to contact the team at Reichelt Plumbing to get rid of these pests.
If at any time you are worried about your health and are concerned that the worms may have come from someone in your household, we recommend seeing a healthcare professional. If you think the worms are a sign of plumbing issues, contact your local Reichelt Plumbing team to get the situation handled immediately.
First Type of Worm: Bloodworms
Bloodworms are common household pests and can be found near any source of water in your home, including sinks and bathtubs.
Bloodworms earned their name from their bright red color due to hemoglobin in their bodies. These pests are thin and can grow up to a few inches long. Due to bloodworms enjoying stagnant water, an infrequently used toilet is a perfect habitat.
The best way to get rid of them is to remove them from your toilet bowl and thoroughly clean the toilet, as they are feeding off organic matter in your toilet. Once they have no organic matter to eat, they will no longer view your toilet bowl as a suitable environment
Type of Worm: Earthworms
Having earthworms in your toilet means something different than bloodworms. When these long, brown worms show up in a toilet, it could mean your sewer pipe is cracked. This easily allows worms or foreign bodies into your home.
Since earthworms most likely indicate a crack in your plumbing, this is something that will need to be checked out by professionals in order to eliminate the problem. Trust Reichelt Plumbing to perform a full inspection of your plumbing to get down to the root of the problem.
Type of Worm: Horsehair worms
Horsehair worms are long, black worms roughly the thickness of a horsehair. You may observe horsehair worms knotted up into a ball. This pest most likely got into your home or toilet through an insect, such as a cricket or cockroach, who ingested a string of eggs in a nearby pond.
Fortunately, horsehair worms are not as common as other types of worms. They are most likely spotted as the weather turns cold, and insects retreat inside houses for warmth. Ensuring your home is properly sealed during all seasons will keep horsehair worms out.
Looks Like a Worm: Drain Fly Larvae
If you spot tiny black worms or larvae in your toilet, they are probably drain fly larvae. These pests live off of sewage and decaying matter, which makes your toilet a perfect location for them.
Adult females lay large clusters of eggs, which explains why there may be more than one worm in your toilet.Thoroughly clean your toilet bowl with a scrubbing brush and drain cleaner to eliminate the debris and sewage that drain fly larvae love to eat.
Call Reichelt Plumbing Today
If you suspect that you have a worm infestation in your plumbing system, don’t wait to take action. Regardless of the type of worm, it’s crucial to address the problem quickly to prevent further damage and potential health risks. Contact the professionals at Reichelt Plumbing today. They have the expertise and experience to quickly and effectively address any plumbing issue, including worm infestations. Don’t hesitate, contact Reichelt Plumbing now by calling (219) 322-4906 to schedule a consultation and say goodbye to those uninvited worms for good.