How to get rid of silverfish as peak season arrives

Have you ever noticed tiny greyish-silver bugs crawling around your bathroom? If your answer is yes, then you have experienced silverfish.

The small grey insects can be found in homes all year round but they particularly thrive in rooms with high humidity.

New data from Victorian Plumbing has found that these pesky bugs are most common in the home around August when they cling to damp areas such as bathrooms.

To help you get rid of them for good, bathroom expert at Victorian Plumbing, Alex Woods, has given his top tips on keeping your bathroom free from silverfish.

Dehumidifiers

“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.

"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.”

Essential Oil

“A quick, easy and cost-effective way of getting rid of silverfish is with essential oils such as peppermint, lavender and rosemary.

"The scent of these oils is great at repelling the insects, and costs as little as £2 for a bottle which can be used again and again. 

Recommended reading

• What causes silverfish in your home and are they harmful?
• Can clogged drains make you sick? Bathroom expert explains

• This is the dirtiest place in your bathroom (no, not there)

"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!” 

Bath Matts

“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.

"When your bath mat becomes damp after being used it can leave a moist and warm environment in which silverfish thrive.”