Silverfish are nocturnal insects that can infest any area in a home, but these critters prefer the warm, humid environment that a bathroom offers. Although silverfish are considered merely a nuisance pest, they can damage items in your home, contaminate food products, and trigger allergies in some people. Learn more about what attracts these pests to your bathroom and ways to eliminate silverfish in a bathroom.
Silverfish are common but unwelcome guests in many bathrooms These small, teardrop-shaped insects thrive in the warm, humid environment that bathrooms provide While silverfish are not harmful, seeing them skitter across your bathroom floor can be unsettling. Even worse, they can cause damage by eating through fabrics, papers, glue, and other materials.
Getting rid of silverfish requires eliminating the conditions that attract them to your bathroom. With some diligent cleaning, maintenance, and pest control measures, you can make your bathroom unwelcoming to silverfish. Here are the most effective methods for kicking them out.
Why Bathrooms Attract Silverfish
Silverfish gravitate toward bathrooms because of the consistent warmth and humidity. Frequent showers and baths raise moisture levels that silverfish depend on. They are also drawn to foods commonly found in bathrooms
- Dead skin cells and hair
- Mold or mildew
- Starchy materials like paper, paste, wallpaper, or cardboard
Cracks, crevices, gaps around pipes, under sinks, and in cabinets also provide ideal hiding spots for silverfish Once they gain access, your bathroom offers everything silverfish need to thrive and reproduce.
Reduce Moisture Levels
The first line of defense is decreasing humidity and moisture:
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Repair any leaky faucets, showerheads, or pipes to eliminate excess water.
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After bathing, immediately wipe down the tub, floors, walls, and fixtures.
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Open windows or turn on exhaust fans to ventilate the bathroom and lower humidity.
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Consider getting a dehumidifier to run regularly.
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Seal any cracks or openings around sinks, tubs, windows, and baseboards to reduce access points.
Lowering humidity makes the environment less suitable for silverfish. Proper ventilation and sealing cracks also prevents more from entering.
Remove Food Sources
Starve silverfish out by eliminating what they eat:
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Keep counters and floors clean and dry to remove dead skin cells and hair.
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Fix any mildew or mold issues since silverfish consume fungi.
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Store toilet paper rolls and any paper materials in sealed containers.
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Avoid leaving out towels, clothing, or other fabrics silverfish can damage.
Regular vacuuming and cleaning deprives silverfish of food sources and forces them to look elsewhere. Storing paper goods properly also denies them access.
Use Deterrents
Certain scents and substances deter silverfish:
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Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in corners, under cabinets, or behind toilets. The sharp particles damage their exoskeletons.
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Place cotton balls with essential oils like peppermint, lavender, or citrus in key areas.
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Set out dried bay leaves, cloves, or cinnamon sticks.
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Spray diluted cinnamon oil or clove oil mixed with water near nesting sites.
Reapply deterrents frequently to maintain effectiveness. Limit usage if you have pets that could ingest them.
Kill Existing Silverfish
To deal with an established infestation:
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Apply boric acid powder or diatomaceous earth directly on silverfish. These desiccants gradually kill them over several days.
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Use sticky traps or jar traps to catch silverfish at night when they are active. Release or dispose of trapped bugs.
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Spray insecticide containing pyrethrins into cracks and crevices. Do not use these sprays around children or pets.
Combined with the other steps, killing silverfish already present will help end the infestation. Monitor for any stragglers and maintain humidity control and cleaning procedures.
Prevent Silverfish From Returning
Keep silverfish away in the long run by:
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Checking for and sealing any new entry points.
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Addressing moisture issues quickly through repairs or improved ventilation.
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Storing paper goods properly and minimizing clutter.
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Vacuuming and cleaning bathrooms frequently.
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Continuing to use natural deterrents periodically.
Follow these best practices to make your bathroom inhospitable to silverfish. A few sporadic sightings can be normal, but recurring silverfish problems indicate conditions in the bathroom need improvement. With diligence and pest control measures, your bathroom can reclaim its status as a silverfish-free oasis.
What do silverfish eat?
These critters prefer starchy materials, especially paper and wood. They’ll also feed on glue, cellulose, fibers, hair, linens, and dead insects, including other silverfish.
Although these pests are threatening-looking and sometimes mistaken for centipedes, silverfish don’t bite people or animals. They can run very quickly and will wriggle away to safety if disturbed.
Where do silverfish come from in bathrooms?
SIlverfish get into homes through tiny holes, cracks, and gaps in walls, window frames, doorways, and around pipe openings. They often enter through small points of entry that have been damaged by water, such as clogged gutters or leaks in a foundation or pipes.
These pests can also get inside if they’re hiding in boxes, firewood, or other items you bring into the house.
How to Get Rid of Silverfish (4 Easy Steps)
FAQ
Why do I have silverfish in my bathroom?
A bathroom’s humidity, often exacerbated by lack of ventilation and persistent dampness, creates an ideal breeding ground for these pests. Additionally, silverfish feed on starch-rich substances and cellulose, which include: Shampoo and soap residues. Toilet paper.
Should I be worried if I see silverfish?
Are Silverfish Harmful? These insects are generally nuisance pests. They won’t hurt you, but they can contaminate your food. Silverfish leave their poop behind in your food, so make sure to check for any insects.
Do silverfish come up through drains?
They don’t live in, come up in, or travel through your sink’s drains, but silverfish are initially drawn to a bathroom sink because that’s where the water is—whether there’s a faucet dripping or the sink is wet from the last use.
Does 1 silverfish mean infestation?
Live (or Deceased) Silverfish in the Home
As they move, silverfish wiggle their bodies back and forth, similar to how a fish swims, which is how they got their name. While discovering a singular silverfish doesn’t necessarily mean an infestation, it does mean you should inspect further and bring in the professionals.