Brits are being told their homes are at risk of a silverfish infestation as we head into winter.
Bathroom experts at SteamShowerStore.co.uk are advising how to remove the pesky critters for good and explain why they’re more likely to appear during the winter months.
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Silverfish can be found in homes all year round, but they tend to thrive in rooms which have high humidity levels.
Many will notice their humidity levels rise throughout winter as more start to turn the heating on to keep warm from brutal winter weather.
The experts warn that the insects will fester in areas of damp and will leave yellow stains as an indication of their presence.
They say investing in a dehumidifier and using lavender scents are effective ways to get rid of them.
Andy Ellis, bathroom expert at SteamShowerStore.co.uk, said: “The silver-scaled bugs are one of the most frustrating problems to deal with in bathrooms.
“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 get rid of silverfish:
- Fix the vents
Silverfish are naturally attracted to rooms which have high humidity which is why it’s important to have all vents fixed to prevent the likelihood of them popping up. An efficient vent will help deal with bathroom condensation which can contribute to high humidity levels.
- Bleach and hot water in sinks
Don’t be surprised if you find silverfish in your bathroom and kitchen sinks as they’re known to crawl up the pipes to find damp areas in a home. Clean the sink with bleach and wash it down with boiling water to prevent them from appearing.
- Hang up bathroom mats
Every so often hang up bathroom mats to air out. If they’re left on the ground it can create an area of dampness which welcomes the spawn of silverfish.
- Invest in a dehumidifier
The quickest way to remove moisture in the air is to invest in a dehumidifier. Place it in areas susceptible to humidity like bathrooms and kitchens.
- Lavender oil
Pour some lavender oil onto cotton pads and dab the sink, shower drain and even the toilet to prevent silverfish. The critters can’t stand the scent and will avoid areas where it’s present.
- Clean hiding spots
Dark corners and behind radiators where wet towels are hung up are potential places for silverfish to hide. It’s important to clean the areas often so you can spot the problem as quickly as possible. Yellow stains are also an indicator of their presence.
- Call professionals
If the remedy solutions don’t work in removing silverfish, it’s vital professionals are called to tackle the problem. It could mean there may be a leak in the piping causing dampness under the house.
