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Let’s be honest, dishwashers are one of the greatest modern conveniences. Once you get used to having one, it’s hard to imagine life without it. They save you loads of time and energy. But when something goes wrong, like when your dishes aren’t getting clean or, even worse, you spot bugs crawling around inside, it can throw your whole day off.
We know it sounds a little gross (okay, a lot gross), but finding bugs in the dishwasher is actually more common than you might think. If you’ve ever opened that door expecting sparkling plates and instead found tiny pests scurrying around, your first reaction was probably somewhere between “Eww!” and “How did that get in here?!”
Let’s talk about why this happens, what kinds of bugs show up, and how you can stop it, because nobody wants their clean dishes sharing space with creepy crawlies.
How Did a Bug Get in My Dishwasher?
First things first, how are these little invaders getting into your dishwasher in the first place?
Unfortunately, bugs don’t need a lot of space to sneak in. There are a few common entry points that they love to use. Some pests crawl in through the dishwasher’s drain line or make their way through the garbage disposal. Others find teeny-tiny gaps around the door seal. Even the smallest crack can be an open invitation.
And guess what? The bugs weren’t just hanging out in your backyard and decided to take a detour into the kitchen. In most cases, they’re already inside your house. They might be under the sink, behind appliances, or inside your cabinets—and your dishwasher just seems like the next logical stop on their tour of your home.
The usual culprits? Ants, cockroaches, and drain flies. Yup, the not-so-glamorous trio. All three are tiny, sneaky, and totally not welcome at your dinner table.
Why Am I Getting Ants or Roaches in My Dishwasher?
Let’s think like a bug for a second (stick with us here): You’re on the hunt for food, water, and a warm place to hang out. What appliance offers all three in abundance? You guessed it, your dishwasher.
Every time you load up dirty dishes, you’re basically leaving a buffet of crumbs, sauces, and grease behind. Even after a wash cycle, tiny food particles can linger inside the dishwasher or get caught in the filter. Bugs love that.
Add in the warm, humid environment inside—especially right after a cycle—and your dishwasher becomes bug paradise. It’s dark, it’s damp, and it smells like leftover dinner. What more could a pest want?
And here’s the kicker: bugs like roaches and ants don’t need a giant hole to get inside. They’re experts at squeezing through cracks, crevices, and plumbing lines. Roaches especially are notorious for crawling through drains and pipes, making it extra easy for them to wander into your dishwasher uninvited.
How Do I Get Rid of Bugs in My Dishwasher?
So you’ve opened the dishwasher and found bugs crawling around. Understandably, your first instinct might be to grab the bug spray and go to war. But hold on, that’s not the right move.
Do NOT spray products inside your dishwasher. Even though that might seem like the fastest way to kill whatever’s inside, it’s not safe. Your dishwasher is full of surfaces that come into contact with your plates, glasses, and utensils. Spraying anything in there could leave behind residues that you definitely don’t want anywhere near your food.
Instead, take a safe, thorough, and non-toxic approach to clean and de-bug your dishwasher. Here’s how:
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Remove the dishwasher racks and clean them separately in the sink with warm, soapy water.
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Check the filter—this is where a lot of food particles get trapped. If it’s clogged or grimy, it can easily attract bugs.
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Flush the drain line. This is a common entry point for pests and a hotspot for buildup.
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Run a hot wash cycle with either white vinegar or a commercial dishwasher cleaner. (Heads up: some dishwasher manufacturers recommend avoiding vinegar because it can wear down rubber seals, so it’s worth checking your manual first.)
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Follow up with a baking soda rinse. Sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short cycle. This helps neutralize any lingering odors and adds a layer of freshness. Baking soda, however, is not a replacement for dishwasher detergent, it’s more of a booster.
What Cleaning Products Do Bugs Hate?
When it comes to keeping bugs away from your dishwasher, you have to be extra careful with what cleaning products you choose. After all, your dishes go in there, so harsh chemicals are a definite no-go.
That means common pest control products like borax or over-the-counter DIY products are not safe to use inside your dishwasher.
Instead, stick to this stuff:
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Vinegar (in moderation)
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Baking soda (great for deodorizing)
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Lemon juice (it smells fresh and helps cut through grime)
These natural options won’t necessarily kill an entire infestation, but they can help keep things clean and make the dishwasher a less appealing hangout for bugs.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Dishwasher to Keep Bugs Out
Like most things in your home, a little regular maintenance goes a long way. If you want to keep bugs out of your dishwasher, make a habit of cleaning it on a routine basis.
Here are some easy steps to incorporate into your kitchen routine:
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Clean the dishwasher filter weekly. This is where food debris collects—and it’s often the first thing that attracts bugs.
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Wipe down the rubber seals and around the edges of the door. These spots can trap moisture and grime.
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Rinse your dishes before loading them. You don’t have to scrub everything perfectly clean, but get rid of big chunks of food.
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Don’t let dirty dishes sit for too long. If you only run your dishwasher every few days, leftover food can start to rot and attract pests.
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After each cycle, crack the dishwasher door open. This allows moisture to escape and the interior to dry out, making it less attractive to bugs who love damp environments.
A little prevention here and there can make a big difference.
When to Call a Pest Expert
If you’ve tried all the cleaning tips, run multiple wash cycles, and bugs are still showing up in your dishwasher, don’t panic. But don’t ignore it, either.
Persnickety pests could mean there’s a bigger issue going on, and that’s when it’s time to call in the experts.
At All-American Pest Control, we’ve seen it all. If bugs have made themselves a little too comfortable in your kitchen, or anywhere else in your home, we’re here to help. Our pest experts will not only treat the infestation, but also help you figure out how they’re getting in and what you can do to stop it for good.
Plus, if you’re seeing pests in other areas of your kitchen, like the cabinets or under the sink, chances are they’re not just making a guest appearance in your dishwasher. You’ll need a comprehensive plan to kick them out of your home completely.
Contact All-American for Your Pest Control Needs
The last thing anyone wants is to open the dishwasher and find bugs crawling across what’s supposed to be clean dishes. It’s unsettling, it’s frustrating and frankly, it’s just not something you should have to deal with.
If you’re dealing with this issue, give All-American Pest Control a call. We offer effective pest control services that protect your home and your family. Whether you want something eco-friendly, like our Green Choice service, or a more comprehensive plan like Perimeter Plus or our Complete Care Bundle (which covers pests, termites, mosquitoes, and yard pests), we’ve got you covered.
Let us help you take back your kitchen—and keep the bugs out for good.
Ready to get started? Contact us today.
Your Trusted Nashville, TN Pest Control Experts in Nashville, TN & Nearby Neighborhoods
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: Antioch, Oak Hill, Belle Meade, Berry Hill, Nashville, Old Hickory, Joelton, Madison, Green Hills Estates, Haynes, Kemper Heights, Metro Center, Northwest Nashville, Rivergate, Talbot's Corner, Bakers, Bellshire Estates, Blair Heights, Bordeaux, Cane Ridge, Germantown, and the entire Davidson County and Greater Nashville areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or schedule a free home evaluation.