A reader recently sent us some photos of a few slimy organisms that popped up in her sink. She wonders if we can identify these creatures and inform her if they carry any diseases or bacteria. She also wants to know how to get rid of these unwanted visitors. We say “slimy” for obvious reasons, as you can see from the pictures she took:

There are several of these specimens, which are all various shades of tan, and one more yellow. What could these be? Although our reader said they were worms, we are not so sure. While they could be worms, they might also be larvae or something else entirely. We do believe they are living organisms because our reader described them as so, but we don’t have much other information to go off of. We can assume that these creatures like moisture because they have been living in a sink where there is a plethora of water. According to our reader, we also know they emerged suddenly.

We have heard from readers who have found interesting “worms” in their sinks before, but the creatures were usually drain fly larvae or bloodworms, and neither of those look anything like the creatures in the photographs. This is unfamiliar territory and we are stumped! We don’t know what these organisms are. In addition, since we can’t identify this species and also aren’t medical professionals, we can’t say for sure if these creatures are carrying diseases or parasites. Since our reader didn’t describe any symptoms she is experiencing, she should simply continue to avoid direct with the specimens.

Anyways, while we aren’t able to help with identification, we do have some suggestions for our reader about how to potentially get rid of these slimy critters. Since these creatures are residing in the sink, its drain, and possibly the pipes, we recommend she give that entire area a thorough cleaning. Any of the grit or grime that is lining the surface of these areas or hiding in the crevices could be potential food sources for these little critters. She should scrub the areas using a cleaning gel designed to destroy organic matter, and follow the specific cleaning instructions listed on the container. Hopefully this will handle this invasion. If these creatures don’t disappear after she cleans, she could contact a plumber to check out the water system in her home.

To summarize, a reader sent us some photos of white, tan, and yellow creatures that emerged from her sink. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to identify them. If any of our other readers have experienced similar instances or seen creatures like these, please comment on this post and share your story!

 

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