Just spotted a silverfish scurrying across your bathroom floor? It’s not exactly the company you want while brushing your teeth. These sneaky little insects are notorious for surprising homeowners, especially in humid spaces like bathrooms.
While they are (fortunately!) harmless to humans, silverfish are a nuisance and can cause damage to items like books, wallpaper, and clothing.
Don’t panic. Before you reach for the Raid, we’re here to help you reclaim your bathroom and show those silverfish the door (metaphorically speaking, of course).
What Attracts Silverfish to Your Bathroom?
Before you can get rid of silverfish, you need to understand why they’re cohabitating with you in the first place.
Think of your bathroom as a five-star all-inclusive resort. It’s got everything they want:
Moisture
Silverfish thrive in dark, damp environments. Bathrooms provide the perfect conditions, particularly if there are any water leaks, excess humidity, or areas where water tends to pool (hello, those dark, forgotten corners behind the toilet).
Food Sources
Silverfish aren’t exactly picky eaters. They feast on starchy materials and carbohydrates, which can be found in bathroom tissue, shampoo residue, and even the glue on the back of wallpaper or around tile grout.
Leave a damp towel lying around for good measure, and you might as well put out a welcome mat.
Dark Hideouts
Because silverfish are nocturnal, they prefer places where they won’t be disturbed by light. Cracks, crevices, and even the folds of damp towels make excellent hiding spots.
Warmth
Bathrooms tend to stay warm thanks to regular showers and baths. Combine warmth with all of the above, and your bathroom becomes an absolute paradise for silverfish.
How to Deal with Silverfish in Your Bathroom
Now that we’ve dissected why these critters love bathrooms, it’s time to evict them. Dealing with silverfish is similar to getting rid of other types of pests, and involves a combination of removing their favorite conditions, cleaning, and sometimes calling in reinforcements.
Dehumidify the Space
The absolute first step is to tackle the humidity issue. Silverfish can’t survive in dry conditions, so cutting off their moisture source is critical. Install a bathroom fan if you don’t already have one, and use it religiously—especially after steamy showers.
If possible, invest in a small dehumidifier for the bathroom, and keep it running during particularly humid months.
Check for any water leaks under sinks, around toilets, or around bathtubs—leaky pipes are an open invitation for silverfish and a whole host of other pests. If you find leaks, repair them immediately.
Clean Thoroughly and Regularly
You’ll also want to deprive them of their food sources. Regular cleaning can genuinely make a huge difference. Vacuum or sweep all corners, nooks, and crannies where dust or debris might collect. Remember to focus on often-overlooked areas, like behind the toilet or under the sink.
Since silverfish will munch on things like shampoo residue and soap scum, scrubbing your bathroom surfaces down is a must. Rinse out your sink and tub regularly, and avoid letting damp items like towels or bath mats pile up.
Declutter
Silverfish love to hide in piles of paper, cardboard boxes, and other bathroom knick-knacks that serve no real purpose (you know the ones). If you’ve got clutter creeping into your bathroom space, now’s the time to clean it up. The fewer hiding spots you give them, the less likely they’ll stick around.
Seal the Cracks
Silverfish are sneaky little escape artists. If your bathroom has cracks in the walls, gaps between tiles, or loose baseboards, now is the time to seal them up.
Using caulk or another sealant, cover those small entry points where silverfish might be hanging out. You’ll not only make your bathroom less hospitable to bugs, but you’ll also be reducing the risk of water damage down the line.
Natural Deterrents
If you’re not keen on using chemical pesticides, there are some natural remedies you can try. Silverfish dislike the smell of cinnamon, cloves, and cedarwood. Place these items in small sachets around your bathroom or use essential oils to create a barrier of scents that might drive them away.
Another option is diatomaceous earth—a natural powder that kills pests by drying them out. Sprinkle it lightly along baseboards or in corners where you suspect silverfish activity. Just be sure to keep it away from children and pets, as it can irritate airways.
Call in the Pros
If your silverfish problem lingers even after all this effort, it may be time to call in the big guns. Professional exterminators know precisely where to look and how to deal with infestations at the source. They’ll also recommend specific strategies to keep silverfish from making a return.
Preventing Silverfish for the Long Haul
Getting rid of silverfish is only half the battle—keeping them out is the real victory. Here are a few preventative steps you can take to make sure they don’t turn your bathroom into a silverfish haven again:
- Use a dehumidifier or bathroom fan consistently.
- Clean your bathroom weekly, including those hard-to-reach spaces.
- Store items like paper goods, books, or extra towels in airtight containers.
- Check for leaks periodically and fix them immediately.
With a little diligence, your bathroom will remain a silverfish-free zone, leaving you to enjoy your space without any unexpected creepy-crawly encounters.
If you’ve tried all of the above and still find these unwelcome critters hanging around, don’t hesitate to contact Martin Exterminating in Rocky Mount, NC.
With years in the pest control business, we’ll help you send those silverfish packing—for good. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
