How to Deal with Silverfish in the Bathroom
Silverfish. Even the name sounds creepy.
These little critters are sneaky, fast, and just downright unpleasant to look at.
But here’s the thing. Finding silverfish in your bathroom isn’t a personal failing. It doesn’t mean you’ve fallen behind on your housekeeping duties or spell disaster for the rest of your home.
In fact, it’s a fairly common issue, albeit an unsettling one.
Here’s the kicker though—silverfish are far from a new problem. They’re ancient, with their origins dating back to the dinosaurs, surviving for over 400 million years. Thankfully, they’re no match for a curious homeowner armed with a little knowledge and a plan.
If you’ve seen one dart across the floor during your nightly bathroom trip, you’re probably asking, “Why the bathroom of all places? What attracts silverfish there?”
We’ll explain what attracts silverfish to your bathroom (and how to deal with them) in this post.
What Are Silverfish, and Why Do They Love Your Bathroom?
Now, why do they love your bathroom? Simply put, silverfish are low-maintenance roommates with very high standards for humidity.
Bathrooms, with their warm, damp environments, are a prime destination for silverfish. Got a bathroom with a leaky faucet, damp towels, or poor ventilation? You’re basically rolling out the red carpet for these pests.
What’s their snack of choice? Silverfish have a serious carb craving. They prefer starches and sugars, including wallpaper glue, shampoo residues, books, and the odd speck of skin flakes. Understanding their menu is the first step to kicking them out.
How to Spot a Silverfish Infestation
Spotting one silverfish in the bathroom might not seem like a big deal, but don’t ignore it. Like a bad roommate who never cleans up after himself, silverfish rarely stay solo. They usually bring a crew. If you’re finding them on the regular, especially at night, it’s a sign that they’ve made themselves at home.
Small, pepper-like droppings, molted exoskeletons, or irregular holes in paper products like books or toilet paper are good indicators that they’re sticking around longer than any guest should.
Eliminating What Attracts Silverfish
Reduce the humidity in your bathroom by investing in a dehumidifier or making sure you have the proper ventilation in place. Fix any leaky faucets or pipes ASAP, and if your bathroom tends to turn into a sauna after your showers, it’s time to start using your exhaust fan more seriously.
Next up, the food. Keep your bathroom clean, with no leftover shampoo spots or tissue piles on surfaces. Store paper goods like toilet paper or magazines in sealed containers if possible. With fewer carbs available, you’ll have fewer silverfish freeloaders.
How to Get Rid of Silverfish in the Bathroom
1. Deep Clean With Intent
Silverfish might love your moist, warm bathroom, but they’re no match for a deep clean. Start by scrubbing surfaces, especially in hidden corners where moisture collects.
Don’t forget the undersides of sinks or the nooks of shelving—they’re crafty hiders.
2. Use Natural Repellents
Want an eco-friendly, DIY way to fight back? Silverfish strongly dislike certain scents, including cedar and lavender.
Place cedar shavings or lavender sachets in your bathroom cabinets or drawers. Not only will it send them running, but your bathroom will smell amazing, too.
3. Break Out the Traps
If you’re not squeamish, using sticky traps is an effective way to catch silverfish. You can spread them around common hiding spots such as around the toilet base, under sinks, or wherever you’ve spotted them scurrying.
4. Apply Boric Acid (Carefully)
Boric acid is a go-to for dealing with many pests, silverfish included. A light dusting around bathroom baseboards and crevices can work wonders. Just keep it away from kids and pets—it’s not as safe as other home remedies.
5. Seal Their Entry Points
Silverfish don’t just magically appear—they crawl in from somewhere. Inspect cracks, gaps, and crevices around your bathroom, including your plumbing lines. Seal them up tight to block their access. It’s a one-time fix that can reduce future infestations considerably.
6. Call in Backup (That’s Us!)
If the silverfish infestation has you on edge or every DIY trick fails, know that you’re not alone. This is where we shine.
At Summit Pest Solutions, we specialize in helping homeowners tackle stubborn pest problems like silverfish infestations. Our targeted solutions are designed to evict your unwanted guests for good, bringing your bathroom back to a silverfish-free zone.
Keeping Silverfish Away for Good
Winning the battle against silverfish is satisfying, but keeping them out requires consistency. Regularly clean your bathroom to eliminate the damp, dusty conditions they adore. Check for signs of moisture or leaks, and don’t shy away from upgrading your bathroom’s ventilation system. Goodbye, humidity; hello, fresh air!
No one likes pests, period. But silverfish, with their hardiness and carb-based antics, are especially persistent. That’s the bad news.
The good news? Armed with proactive prevention and effective silverfish eviction techniques, you can reclaim your bathroom and send these pests back to their prehistoric cave days.
And if you find yourself needing expert help along the way, we’re just one call away. At Summit Pest Solutions, we take infestations off your plate so you can focus on enjoying your home—silverfish-free. Book a consultation today and say goodbye to silverfish for good!