With August marking peak silverfish season and searches for how to get rid of them up 15% in the last quarter, homeowners are being urged to tackle excess moisture before the small, wingless insects settle in.
While silverfish are not harmful to humans, they can become an unwelcome nuisance, causing damage to household items including books, wallpaper and fabrics, while also leaving behind stains from their droppings and shed skin.
Below, Sam Davies, Director at Age Care Bathrooms, shares eight simple bathroom changes homeowners can make to reduce moisture and help keep silverfish at bay.
How to know if you have a silverfish infestation
Common warning signs include:
- Regular sightings in dark, damp areas
- Tiny black marks or droppings
- Damage to paper products, wallpaper or fabrics
- Small scales left behind from moulting
“Silverfish are often spotted in bathrooms because they are attracted to warm, humid environments. However, seeing one silverfish does not always mean you have an infestation, so homeowners should look for repeated sightings or signs of activity such as droppings and damage.”
- Dry your shower and bath after use
“Silverfish thrive in damp environments, which means bathrooms can provide the perfect conditions for them to hide and breed. Taking a few seconds to wipe down wet surfaces, especially around shower trays, baths and sinks, is a simple way to keep your bathroom drier between uses.”
- Keep your extractor fan running after showers
“Many homeowners switch off their extractor fan as soon as they leave the bathroom, but humidity can remain in the air for much longer. Keeping your fan running for around 15 to 20 minutes after showering can help remove lingering moisture.
“It is also important to clean your extractor fan every few months and check it is working effectively, as dust and dirt build-up can reduce how efficiently it removes damp air.”
- Improve airflow after showering
“Opening a window or leaving the bathroom door open after showering can help improve ventilation and prevent moisture from becoming trapped in the room.
“This is particularly important in bathrooms without strong extraction. For bathrooms that regularly struggle with condensation, using a small dehumidifier can also help remove excess moisture from the air. Disposable dehumidifiers can be a low-cost option for smaller bathrooms where moisture builds up quickly.”
- Check for hidden leaks
“Silverfish are often attracted to areas with consistent moisture, even if the damp is not immediately obvious. A small leak under a sink, behind a toilet or around pipework can create the perfect hiding spot.”
- Seal gaps around pipes and fixtures
“Silverfish can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps, making cracks around skirting boards, pipework and damaged sealant easy entry points.
“To prevent this, replace any cracked or damaged silicone around baths and showers to keep water from seeping into hidden areas.”
- Avoid storing cardboard and paper products in bathrooms
“Silverfish feed on starches found in materials such as paper, cardboard and some adhesives, so keeping spare toilet rolls or packaging in the bathroom can make the space more attractive.
“Where possible, store these items in sealed containers and remove unnecessary clutter from cupboards.”
- Wash and dry bath mats regularly
“Bath mats can quickly become a warm, sheltered space for silverfish to hide, especially when they are left damp. Hanging your bath mat over the bath or shower rail after use can help it dry faster and remove a potential hiding spot for pests.”
- Use natural scent deterrents
“Silverfish are known to dislike strong scents such as lavender and citrus, so adding a few drops of essential oil to a cotton pad and placing it in bathroom cupboards or darker corners can help deter them.“While this should not replace tackling moisture problems, it can be a simple extra step to make your bathroom less inviting to pests.”
