Have you ever seen tiny, silver-grey insects scurrying around your bathroom? Maybe you’ve spotted them running up the walls or darting into corners. They’re likely to be silverfish; tiny insects that love dark, damp environments. Your bathroom may be the perfect home for them. Although they’re not harmful to humans, they’re still a nuisance because they can cause damage, and they don’t look very appealing either!
This guide will tell you all about silverfish, why they might have made your bathroom their home, how to spot signs of infestation, and most importantly, how to get rid of them using natural and specialist treatments. We’ll also give you tips on how to keep your bathroom silverfish-free for good.
What Are Silverfish and Why Are They in My Bathroom?
Silverfish are small insects about 1 to 1.5 cm long. They have silvery-grey, metallic-looking bodies. They can’t fly, but they can move quickly in a wiggling motion like fish do — hence the name.
Bathrooms are the perfect home for silverfish. There’s plenty for them to feed on, including dead skin cells and residue from your toiletries. They’ll even happily munch on toilet paper or cardboard packaging.
If you spot any of the following, it’s a sign they’re around:
- Seeing the actual insects, especially at night, as they are nocturnal.
- Yellowish stains or trails on surfaces.
- Small holes or damage to paper products or fabrics in or near the bathroom.
How to Prevent Silverfish in Your Bathroom
Want to know exactly how to get rid of silverfish in your bathroom? These insects need high humidity to survive, so you’ll need to reduce moisture levels as much as possible.
Try these simple steps to make your bathroom less hospitable:
1. Improve Ventilation: Open your windows during and after bathing or showering. An extractor fan will also help remove damp from the air.
2. Use a Dehumidifier: If you don’t have windows in your bathroom, getting a small dehumidifier can help a lot.
3. Check for Leaks: Check often for any signs of damp or leaks, and repair them as quickly as possible. Even low moisture levels can attract silverfish into your bathroom.
4. Deep Clean Regularly: Silverfish feed on organic matter, so keeping your bathroom clean removes their food sources. Regularly wipe down surfaces to remove shampoo residues, dead skin cells, and soap scum.
For some practical bathroom cleaning tips, we have created our Easy Bathroom Clean Guide.
5. Keep Clutter To a Minimum: Avoid storing too much paper or fabric in the bathroom, as this is where silverfish can hide and feed.
6. Dry Damp Fabrics Quickly: Don’t leave wet towels or bath mats on the floor as these create ideal hiding places for silverfish.
How to get rid of silverfish in your bathroom naturally
The following natural remedies can be very effective for removing mild infestations or as part of routine prevention:
1. Cedar Oil
Spray diluted cedar oil into corners, cupboards, and baseboards where silverfish hide. It’s a natural repellent.
2. Diatomaceous Earth (DE Powder)
This is a natural powder that’s abrasive to insects. It damages their exoskeleton, which causes them to dry out and die. Sprinkle in corners where they might hide or get into the bathroom.
3. Cinnamon Sticks and Citrus Peel
Silverfish don’t like the smell of cinnamon or citrus. Put the sticks or dried peels in cupboards and dark corners as a preventative measure.
4. DIY Traps
Make a simple trap by leaving a small piece of bread in a bowl of water. This will attract silverfish, and they will fall in and drown. You can also use masking tape placed sticky-side up near their pathways to trap them.
5. Boric Acid Powder
Sprinkle a small amount of boric acid powder in any visible cracks or crevices. It’s a natural insecticide, but use with caution if children and pets are around.
Chemical Solutions and Insecticides
For really stubborn infestations, chemical products might be needed.
Always use insecticides designed specifically for silverfish control and never mix products, as this may cause a dangerous chemical reaction.
- Insecticide Sprays and Powders: Available at most garden centres, supermarkets or hardware stores, these products can be applied in cracks, under sinks, and other silverfish hotspots.
- Enzyme-Based Cleaners: Some cleaners contain enzymes that break down the organic material silverfish feed on.
Safety Tips: Always follow product instructions carefully. Always wear protective gloves and ventilate the area well.
Chemicals should always be a last resort.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried DIY methods, but silverfish keep coming back, or the infestation is unmanageable, it may be time to find a pest control professional.
They can identify the source of the infestation, recommend effective treatments, and also advise on long-term prevention.
How to Keep Silverfish Out for Good
Here’s a quick guide to help:
- Seal Entry Points: Check your bathroom for cracks, particularly around windows, pipes, and in walls. Seal any visible gaps where possible.
- Clean Thoroughly: A regular cleaning routine will help remove food sources.
- Monitor Humidity: Keep an eye on moisture levels, especially during colder months or in poorly ventilated bathrooms.
- Use Desiccants: Use moisture absorber products in cupboards (you can buy them in online and high street stores)
- Storage Areas: Avoid storing paper, fabric, or cardboard in damp areas.
Preventing and removing mould will help stop silverfish from making their home in your bathroom — find out more in our guide on How to Get Rid of Mould in Your Bathroom.
To sum it up
Silverfish are a common, but manageable problem. This guide has shown you why they appear and how to spot an infestation quickly.
As with anything, prevention is better than cure, and by following the steps we’ve shown in this guide, you can keep your bathroom silverfish-free all year round.
If you’re looking for simple and effective ways to keep your bathroom clean and deter pests and mould, why not read our helpful guides:
How to Get Rid of Mould in Your Bathroom
Keeping your bathroom clean, well-ventilated, and as dry as possible is by far the best way to prevent silverfish from setting up their home in your home.
