How to get rid of silverfish in the bathroom and other surprising places in your home

It's never fun to find creepy crawlies in your home, especially when their appearance suggests you might be dealing with mould or damp issues like silverfish. That's why we asked pest control experts to share their most efficient methods of removal and explain how to keep the insects away.

Getting rid of flies in your home or keeping ants away from your kitchen is usually necessary when there's a hidden food source they're drawn to. However, silverfish can be a sign of something far worse: dampness.

That's right. You'll now have to learn how to get rid of silverfish and how to stop mould from growing in your house. With all this to consider, we asked pest experts for their guide to ridding your home of these insects and explaining why they appear in the first place.

How to get rid of silverfish: An expert guide

Unlike dealing with tiny black flies in your home, you'll probably be less familiar with silverfish and their reasoning for taking up residence in your home.

"Silverfish are small, wingless nocturnal insects that are typically found in bathrooms, kitchens and basements," explains Sophie Thorogood, pest prevention expert at Pest-Stop" Basically anywhere with a steady supply of moisture and dark, secluded spaces to hide."

She adds, "While silverfish are no harm to humans, they can be highly destructive. They feed on starchy materials like paper, books, wallpaper and even clothing, which can cause damage to valuable or sentimental items in your home."

So to save yourself money, time and effort in clearing up after these little critters here are some steps for ensuring they leave and don't return.

1. Control humidity levels

From minimising condensation to preventing mould, reducing the humidity in your home is good for several reasons. It's also one of the most effective ways to both prevent and get rid of silverfish.

“Silverfish rely on moisture to survive, so the best way to discourage them is by keeping your home as dry as possible,” explains Sophie.

She advises, "Use dehumidifiers in damp areas and ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens. Small actions, like running an extractor fan while showering, can make a big difference.”

Investing in one of the best dehumidifiers is a great idea for your home's overall health, but it'll be particularly useful for keeping the insects away.

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2. Address any pre-existing damp problems

Aside from the humidity of your home, you may also want to look around the house for any hidden pre-existing damp problems. There are several unexpected places mould could be hiding in your home, each one capable of attracting these pesky insects and more.

"Many homes have hidden leaks, such as under sinks or around toilets that can go unnoticed unless you’re on the lookout for them," says Daniel Baldwin, Board Certified Entomologist at Hawx Pest Control. "Make sure you check for any leaks or moisture that may be accumulating in these areas and have them fixed and clean up any remaining water."

He also recommends checking under your flooring if it's lifting or feels soft, just in case the bugs have made a home under the flooring.

3. Regularly declutter and clean your home

Similar to humidity, it's good to declutter your home regularly. The same goes for cleaning it too, in fact, we'd recommend sticking to some daily cleaning and tidying habits to keep your home at a good level of hygiene.

This is even more important if you suspect you've got a silverfish infestation on your hands. “A clean, clutter-free home is less attractive to silverfish,” says Sophie.

"Vacuum regularly, especially in corners, under furniture and in storage spaces. Store important documents, books and clothes in sealed, dry containers where possible and avoid leaving piles of paper or cardboard lying around," she adds.

4. Make sure to seal any cracks and entry points

Even the smallest cracks and holes in your home exterior can let in pests, and it's not just small insects that can sneak through them. If you've ever had an issue with getting rid of mice or getting rid of spiders chances are they found some of these hidden entryways too.

Daniel says, "Stay on top of your home maintenance to stop silverfish from coming in. With their love of living in cracks and crevices, any openings on the outside of your home are a good opportunity for them to come in."

He stresses the importance of sealing up cracks and gaps, and only then cleaning away any signs of silverfish. " This will help get rid of them, as they won’t have anywhere to live, and stop them from coming back," explains Daniel.

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5. Try using targeted treatments

In some cases, natural prevention techniques and cleaning your home might not cut it. And whilst we'd always opt for the most humane and harmless route, some infestations need a more stern solution.

"If you’re having trouble removing them through the above methods then the infestation may be worse than you initially thought. Try an insecticide from any store or online that will kill them and stop them from coming back," says Daniel.

However, if you have small children and pets, he recommends opting for a food-grade insecticide that's safe if it's consumed by accident.

6. Act on it as quickly as possible

With any pests, it's always best to tackle them as soon as physically possible. Whether you're deterring rats from your garden, the key is acting fast. Silverfish infestations are no different.

“Silverfish can reproduce quickly in the right conditions, so it’s crucial to act at the first sign of trouble,” Sophie warns. “By keeping your home dry, clean and sealed, you can create an environment that feels far less inviting for these unwelcome guests."

FAQs

What causes silverfish in the house?

With any pest, there can be several factors that lead them to set up shop in your home. Knowing their preferred environments can help you stop allowing your home to mirror them.

Dr. Jonathan Kirby, pest expert at NOPE! says, "Typically, when people think about silverfish, they assume they only affect damp, cold university halls. However, these pests are also common for UK homeowners and renters. Whilst they’re attracted to starchy materials like paper and wallpaper paste, they love moist areas of high humidity – anything between 55%-70%."

He continues, "Humidity is ideal for them which is why homeowners may find them nesting in their bathrooms. You could also find them harbouring in wall void spaces, basements or ceilings and dark, undisturbed corners in refrigerators, around boiler rooms or near sources of water."

Using tips and tricks to keep on top of housework and regularly checking these undisturbed spots will help you prevent future infestations and keep your home insect-free.

Dr. Jonathan Kirby

Jonathan is a developmental chemist and pest expert at NOPE! From pest advice to masonry protection, he has dedicated himself to helping protect UK housing stock through the development of new and innovative products.

Should I be worried if I see a silverfish?

Finding insects in your home is never going to fill you with joy, but it doesn't mean you have to immediately think the worst. "Silverfish don’t bite and are not harmful to humans, so you don’t need to be worried if you see one," says Sophie reassuringly. "However, they are considered a pest due to the damage that they can do to your home, such as damaging books, eating wallpaper or creating holes in your clothes."

Whilst finding them isn't ideal, it is important as silverfish don't tend to just disappear by themselves. Daniel explains, "Silverfish won’t disappear on their own and can live for up to eight years. If your home offers ideal conditions, they are likely to stay and thrive."

This is why finding them sooner than later is a positive and one you'll be thankful for when they're all gone.

How do you find where silverfish are coming from?

Should you be nervous about a potential infestation, there are areas in your home you can check for some peace of mind. However, if you're not dealing with damp problems or have yet to see a silverfish, checking these spots only when you're deep cleaning your home is absolutely fine.

Dr. Jonathan says, "Silverfish love humid areas and sources of water but they also hate light. So, if you have a wet room with no windows and poor ventilation, this dark, wet environment could increase the likelihood of attracting silverfish. Silverfish also hide in crevices and cracks so any cracks in the walls will be an ideal nesting spot for them."

There are nocturnal creatures that enjoy eating anything starchy, so it's good to check your flour and pasta containers as well as your bookshelves.

If you find yourself dealing with a rather nasty silverfish infestation and you begin feeling overwhelmed we recommend reaching out to the professionals.

Daniel echoes this, "A pest control service will be able to help with a silverfish infestation, particularly if it’s become more of a major issue that you’re finding difficult to control. Someone who’s an expert in pest control will be able to identify entry points, set traps and remove pests more efficiently before it becomes more of a problem or it spreads to other areas of the property."