Silverfish are small, wingless insects that are about 12mm long and have a unique, shiny, metallic appearance.
As the UK enters peak silverfish season, property experts have offered advice on how to banish these pests. If you’ve ever spotted small grey-silver bugs scuttling around your bathroom, it is highly likely you’ve encountered silverfish.
August is usually seen as the prime time for silverfish because they love damp places. The warm, humid weather in August sets up perfect conditions for them, both outside and inside, which might result in more of them being spotted in homes.
These tiny, wingless insects measure about 12mm in length and are distinguished by their unique, shiny, metallic appearance and carrot-shaped bodies. Their movement is reminiscent of fish swimming. They are nocturnal creatures that favour dark, muggy environments such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
They don’t bite or pose a direct health risk. But they can be a nuisance due to their potential to damage paper, cardboard, fabric (particularly starchy ones), and glue-based items like books, wallpaper, clothing, and stored food products, reports Wales Online.
They can also leave unsightly stains from their droppings and shed skin. As they are drawn to humid conditions; their presence indoors could indicate leaks, excessive moisture, or inadequate ventilation.
Recent data from Victorian Plumbing reveals that these bothersome bugs are most prevalent in homes around August, when they gravitate towards damp areas like bathrooms. There have been 895,000 Google searches for silverfish in the past month, and data suggests this number will surge further in August, as it does annually.
What are the signs of a silverfish infestation?
Silverfish droppings are small, black pellets that resemble pepper. When silverfish shed their skin, they leave behind a yellow residue that can stain absorbent materials such as paper, books, and wallpaper. You may find these discarded exoskeletons in areas where silverfish are active, as they moult several times a year.
These pests can cause damage to paper, books, wallpaper, and fabrics by feasting on the starches and sugars found in these items. They may even nibble on the glue used in book bindings. Silverfish are attracted to damp environments, so you’re likely to spot them in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and lofts. They also have a penchant for hiding in nooks, crannies, and behind furniture.
If you’ve spotted one or more of the signs mentioned above but are unsure about the severity of the problem, there’s a method to ascertain it. A flushing agent is an insecticide that operates with a delay, first driving insects out of their hiding places before eliminating them. Simply spray it in areas where you’ve noticed signs of silverfish, as well as in any cracks and crevices. This will also give you an indication of the scale of the issue.
How can you eradicate silverfish and prevent them from returning?
Alex Woods, bathroom expert at Victorian Plumbing, has shared his essential advice for banishing silverfish from your home. He explains: “Silverfish are often found in bathrooms as they are attracted to areas with high moisture levels. When bathrooms become damp and humid they are the ideal place for silverfish to gather.
“Reducing bathroom humidity is essential when looking to eliminate silverfish in your bathroom. This can be done in a few simple steps, firstly installing an extractor fan in your bathroom can not only stop unwanted pests but also stop the spread of mould and mildew in the room. For a cheaper but short-term option, buying disposable dehumidifiers can help to reduce excess moisture.”
He continued: “Dehumidifiers work by trapping the moisture in the air, preventing it from spreading around the room. This is especially important in small or windowless rooms, in particular bathrooms, where moisture has nowhere to escape.”
Another “quick, easy and cost-effective” method for eliminating silverfish involves essential oils like peppermint, lavender, and rosemary. These fragrances repel the critters, and a bottle costs just £2, offering endless reuse.
Alex recommends: “Simply soak a cotton ball in the oil and place it around the sink and shower drains or any other crevices they may slip in from to prevent silverfish from taking over your bathroom.” Bear in mind that certain essential oils can pose risks to pets. Alex also suggests a method involving your bath mat.
“One of the simplest ways of reducing the risk of silverfish in your bathroom is by hanging up your bath mat or over the bath after use,” he advised. “When your bath mat becomes damp after being used it can leave a moist and warm environment in which silverfish thrive.”