People are being urged to pour bleach and hot water into all their sinks to ward off a bug invasion this month. Experts have warned that British homes could see an unwelcome increase in silverfish as the weather turns colder and damper.
Despite their name, silverfish are tiny insects that are typically 12mm-19mm long. They enjoy devouring the sugar and starch from household items, such as books, photographs, documents and wallpaper.
They also don’t bite humans, but their presence can trigger a person’s allergies, particularly those intolerant to mites and other bugs, according to this study from German experts.
Silverfish thrive in damp and humid spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens all year round. Home specialists feared they will multiply in damp spots and leave behind yellow marks as evidence of their presence.
Heavy duty solutions include purchasing a dehumidifier and utilising lavender fragrances are successful methods to eliminate them. Andy Ellis, bathroom specialist at Vidalux, insisted Brits take immediate action as the bugs can be annoying to catch.
“The silver-scaled bugs are one of the most frustrating problems to deal with in bathrooms,” he said. “While they’re generally harmless, the critters don’t just appear once and never again, they like to come and go the moment they sniff out any dampness in a home.
“They also favour coming in houses during winter as many homes will have higher humidity levels from the heating being turned on and the cold from outside causing condensation on the windows.
“To help deal with the problem once and for all, we strongly advise tackling humidity by fixing vents and investing in dehumidifiers. It’s also worth hanging up the bathroom mats after every shower to prevent their appearance.”
How to banish silverfish
Repair the vents – Silverfish are naturally drawn to rooms with high humidity, which is why it’s crucial to ensure all vents are in working order to reduce the chance of them appearing. A functioning vent will help manage bathroom condensation, which can contribute to high humidity levels.
Use bleach and boiling water in sinks – Don’t be shocked if you discover silverfish in your bathroom and kitchen sinks, as they’re known to climb up the pipes in search of damp areas in a home. Clean the sink with bleach and rinse it with boiling water to deter them.
Air out bathroom mats – Regularly hang up bathroom mats to air dry. If they’re left on the floor, they can create a damp area that invites silverfish, reports Surrey Live.
Invest in a dehumidifier – The fastest way to reduce moisture in the air is to invest in a dehumidifier. Position it in areas prone to humidity such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Use lavender oil – Dab some lavender oil onto cotton pads and apply it to the sink, shower drain, and even the toilet to ward off silverfish. The pests can’t tolerate the scent and will avoid areas where it’s present.
Clean potential hiding spots – Dark corners and behind radiators where wet towels are hung are potential hiding places for silverfish. It’s vital to clean these areas regularly so you can identify the problem as soon as possible. Yellow stains are also a sign of their presence.
Hire professionals – If home remedies fail to eradicate silverfish, it’s crucial to call in professionals to handle the issue. This could indicate a potential leak in the pipes causing dampness beneath the house.