Silverfish are small, silvery-blue coloured insects with a fish-like appearance. They thrive in humid environments like basements and bathrooms, and are nocturnal.
Brits are being put on high alert for an invasion of creepy crawlies in their homes, with one expert offering advice on how to banish the infestation.
Silverfish, small silvery-blue insects that resemble fish, are making themselves at home in British households. These nocturnal pests thrive in humid environments such as basements and bathrooms, causing havoc by feeding on starches and sugars found in paper, clothing, and stored foods, leading to damage to various household items.
Now, these spine-chilling critters are taking over UK homes. Increased activity in damp areas is a tell-tale sign of a silverfish infestation, indicating they’ve found their perfect habitat and could be causing a larger problem. Common hideouts for these insects include bathrooms, basements, attics, wardrobes, and laundry rooms, reports the Express.
If you’re trying to spot these bugs, your best bet is to look out for them scurrying around at night. Josh Clarke from London rubbish removal company Clear It Waste has shared tips on how to permanently rid your home of Silverfish. A study by Clear It Waste revealed that nearly 1 million Brits have never washed their bathroom mat, while a further 6.29 million wait two months or more before giving it a spin in the washing machine.
However, this is a prime location for silverfish to flourish due to its dampness in a humid space, meaning a moist bathmat could significantly increase your risk of a silverfish invasion. It’s advisable to air out your bathmat after each use and wash it frequently to maintain cleanliness and freshness.
Josh Clarke from Clear It Waste explained: “A great way to manage moisture is by using a dehumidifier. It works to remove excess water from the air and prevent moisture build up. To ensure it is used effectively, place it in areas prone to humidity such as bathrooms and kitchens.”
Leaking pipes can create a dark, damp and humid environment, providing the perfect conditions for silverfish, so it’s crucial to inspect your property for any leaks and repair them promptly if discovered.
Josh added: “It is also essential to ensure any vents are properly repaired and working well to minimise the chances of a silverfish infestation. Well-functioning vents are important for controlling condensation levels in bathrooms, as the more condensation that builds, the more humidity levels increase.”
There are several deterrents you can employ to keep silverfish away. A popular approach involves using lavender or peppermint oil. Simply apply some around sinks, drains, toilets and pipes to discourage them from these spots. You might also consider placing silica gel packets in compact spaces like drawers to soak up any moisture.
It’s crucial to know what signs to look for to determine if these pests have invaded parts of your home. One key indicator is the presence of droppings and shed skin. Silverfish are known to shed their scales or skin, leaving behind telltale signs of their existence. This often manifests as small, yellow stains or tiny scales in areas they’ve frequented.
Their discarded skin can appear translucent, silvery or grey, but due to their minuscule size, they can easily be mistaken for dust. This shedding process can also result in a fine trail of yellow dust. Silverfish droppings are another clear sign of their presence and can be found in the same locations where they thrive such as bathrooms, basements, bookshelves, or amongst paper products. These droppings resemble very small dark brown or black pellets, looking like tiny specks of pepper or small grains of sand.
Another more noticeable sign is damage to items such as paper, books and clothes. Chewed edges on books or paperwork, and even clothes and fabrics, are a dead giveaway of their presence in your home, as silverfish are known to feed on items that contain starch or cellulose.
Josh Clarke offers additional guidance on maintaining a silverfish-free home. He explained: “It is recommended to block any entry points that could allow silverfish to enter the property. Seal any gaps or crevices around windows, doors, and pipes as they can fit through the smallest cracks. This can also help in preventing them from laying eggs on the property (which they can do very frequently), as females tend to lay them in cracks.
“Tidying and cleaning potential hiding spots for silverfish regularly, such as the bathroom, basement, attic, wardrobes, laundry room, and those cupboard or drawer spaces is crucial for early detection of any infestations. Look out for those yellow stains, skin sheddings and droppings, which can indicate their presence. If you think you have an infestation issue, it is important to seek professional help to ensure that it doesn’t worsen.”
