Silverfish aren’t harmful to humans, but that doesn’t stop them becoming a nuisance for homeowners in the UK.
August marks the peak season for the small, wingless insects, so if you’ve seen more around recently, that could be why.
While they might seem pretty harmless, they can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to household items including books, wallpaper and fabrics, while also leaving behind stains from their droppings and shed skin.
Silverfish are attracted to “warm, humid environments”, so Sam Davies, director at Age Care Bathrooms, shared eight simple bathroom changes homeowners can make to reduce moisture and help keep silverfish at bay.
It’s also worth knowing the common warning signs that silverfish might be taking over your house:
• Regular sightings in dark, damp areas
• Tiny black marks or droppings
• Damage to paper products, wallpaper or fabrics
• Small scales left behind from moulting
Davies said: “Silverfish are often spotted in bathrooms because they are attracted to warm, humid environments.
“However, seeing one silverfish does not always mean you have an infestation, so homeowners should look for repeated sightings or signs of activity such as droppings and damage.”
How to keep silverfish out of your home
To keep silverfish out of your home, you’ll need to reduce the moisture in more moist areas like your bathrooms.
Homeowners are advised to dry showers and baths after use, including around shower trays, baths and sinks.
Remember to keep your bathroom’s extractor fan on for around 15 to 20 minutes after you are done in the bathroom, as the humidity and lingering moisture stay there otherwise.
Davies adds: “It is also important to clean your extractor fan every few months and check it is working effectively, as dust and dirt build-up can reduce how efficiently it removes damp air.”
How to get rid of these common garden pests
You can also do these simple tasks to keep silverfish away:
- Improve airflow after showering by opening a window or leaving the bathroom door open
- Check for hidden leaks, as silverfish can find and hide in small areas
- Seal gaps around pipes and fixtures to stop water from going into hidden areas
- Don’t store cardboard or paper products in your bathroom
- Wash and dry bath mats regularly
- Use scents to deter silverfish, including lavender and citrus
How much does it cost to fix a silverfish infestation?
Helen Godsiff, brand manager at home improvement specialist Eurocell, said silverfish are “one of the most irritating critters in a home”.
She said: “This time of the year is when households may come across one of the most irritating critters in a home - silverfish.
“Unlike termites or woodworm, silverfish are a major visual red flag and a direct indicator of underlying damp, which can cost thousands to truly fix.”
Godsiff advises using a dehumidifier to deter silverfish: “In fact, lowering humidity below 50% makes the environment significantly less favourable for silverfish to survive, so improving ventilation and using a dehumidifier can help to tackle the problem at its source.”
She added: “It’s also important not to overlook the potential costs of leaving moisture problems untreated.
“Persistent damp can lead to serious mould growth, which may mean that homeowners need to replace affected materials such as plasterboard.
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“Replacing mould-damaged plasterboard and rotten skirting boards can cost hundreds of pounds once materials and labour are factored in, while more extensive damp and mould solutions can quickly run into the thousands if it’s in the worst stages.”
What do silverfish eat?
Silverfish will eat things around your house, so once they’re in, they really can cause a lot of damage.
Saif Derzi, founder of Property Buyers Today, has shared a few things the insect will happily tuck into.
He said: “Silverfish feed on starchy materials such as wallpaper, cardboard, books, paper, and fabrics.
“Important papers such as birth certificates, insurance policies, wills, and bills are at risk if they are not stored securely.”
Your wallpaper is also at risk: “Anyone who has ever put up wallpaper themselves is most likely not eager to repeat the process, so you should be aware that silverfish will feed on wallpaper paste and the wallpaper itself.
“This damage will cause the wallpaper to peel, show scratched surfaces, or show tiny holes.
“Once the silverfish are behind the wallpaper, they will leave behind stains as they shed and have droppings.
“The cost of wallpapering a room depends on the size and quality of wallpaper, but it can range from £120-£175 and up.”
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They also like a range of fabric: “Silverfish will feed on linen, cotton, and silk.
“Any expensive or sentimental clothes, like wedding dresses, should be securely stored away.
“Silverfish can leave yellow stains and holes on your clothes or bedding.”
The cost to replace these things varies, so it’s best to protect them and try to prevent silverfish where possible.
Have you ever seen silverfish in your home? Let us know in the comments below.
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