You come out of the shower, take a towel, and, all of a sudden, you see an extremely small, silvery insect running across the tiles. That is a silverfish, which is a fast-moving and moisture-loving type of pest, and one of the most common pests in the bathroom. Although they do not bite and do not cause any diseases, their presence in your bathroom is an indication of a greater problem: the excess humidity and the places where they can find food.
If you want to get rid of silverfish in the bathroom, you need more than just a quick spray. You have to recognize why they appear in the first place and the way to transform your bathroom into an environment where they will not be able to live.
Why Bathrooms Attract Silverfish
Bathrooms are moist, hot, and contain multiple nooks and crannies. Such conditions are quite favorable to silverfish. Moisture is left on the mirrors, on walls, and in grout lines after a hot shower. In paper products such as toilet rolls or cardboard boxes, silverfish feel protected, in addition to finding food.
They also consume minute amounts of starches, cellulose, soaps, drips of shampoo, cotton towels, and even wallpaper glue. Your bathroom is basically a buffet to an insect that can survive on crumbs.
Signs You Have Silverfish in the Bathroom
You may not always catch them crawling around since they’re nocturnal. But these clues suggest silverfish are present:
- Small holes or notches in toilet paper or cardboard packaging.
- Yellow stains or scales on surfaces where they’ve shed.
- Tiny droppings that look like black pepper grains.
- Spotting a live silverfish at night, especially around sinks, tubs, or drains.
The sooner you recognize the signs, the easier it is to deal with an infestation.
Are Silverfish Harmful?
Silverfish are not directly harmful, yet their presence should be taken seriously. They destroy paper, clothes, wallpaper, and stored materials. Their existence is also an indication of the presence of excessive moisture that might promote the growth of molds or other infestations. To those with allergies, their feces and droppings can exacerbate symptoms.
Although they are not going to bite you, silverfish are undesired visitors that you need to take seriously.
How to Get Rid of Silverfish in Bathrooms
Eliminating silverfish control Coquitlam isn’t about a single product; it’s about changing the environment so they can’t thrive. Here are practical steps that work.
1. Lower Bathroom Humidity
Water is their oxygen. Post-shower, use an exhaust fan, keep windows open when possible to circulate the air, or use a dehumidifier in closed areas. Clean tiles and mirrors to avoid condensation and tighten faucets or repair water pipes with leaks.
2. Cut Off Their Food Supply
Put toilet paper, tissues, and cotton in closed cabinets. Do not store cardboard packages in the bathroom. Any wallpaper that has begun to peel should also be replaced or sealed (silverfish love the glue in wallpaper).
3. Seal Cracks and Hiding Spots
Caulk gaps near plumbing, tiles, or along baseboards where silverfish hide. Closing off these spaces reduces breeding areas and makes it easier to monitor for activity.
4. Use Safe, Simple Traps
A homemade trap can prove surprisingly efficient. Take some slightly moistened newspaper and roll it up, and leave it out overnight. Silverfish will creep inside, and they can be thrown out the following morning. A glass jar with tape on the outside and food scraps in works also; they climb in but can’t get out.
5. Apply Natural Powders
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in dry corners, under sinks, or behind the toilet. It dehydrates silverfish without chemicals. Boric acid is another option, though it should be used cautiously if pets or children are around.
6. Try Natural Repellents
Cedar shavings, lavender, and citrus peels are known to repel silverfish. While these won’t solve an infestation on their own, they can help deter new ones when combined with cleaning and moisture control.
7. Consider Insecticides if Needed
For stubborn infestations, a silverfish spray or bait may be necessary. Always use products according to instructions, and remember that chemicals are most effective only after you’ve addressed the humidity and food issues.
How to Prevent Silverfish From Returning
Getting rid of silverfish is one thing; keeping them away is another. Prevention comes down to consistent habits:
- Ventilate after every shower to keep humidity low.
- Store paper and fabric items in sealed containers.
- Clean drains and remove soap scum regularly.
- Inspect hidden areas around plumbing and seal any gaps.
If silverfish return despite your efforts, professional silverfish control langley may be worth considering, especially if they’ve spread beyond the bathroom into storage areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do silverfish mean my bathroom is dirty?
Not necessarily. Silverfish are drawn to moisture more than dirt. Even a spotless bathroom can attract them if the humidity stays high.
2. Can silverfish climb walls and ceilings?
Yes, silverfish can scale walls, ceilings, and even hide behind tiles. That’s why sealing cracks is important.
3. What kills silverfish instantly?
Chemical sprays will kill on contact, but natural powders like diatomaceous earth work more gradually and provide longer-lasting control.
4. Can I use bleach to get rid of silverfish?
Some people pour bleach into drains or hiding spots; it may kill on contact, but it’s harsh, can harm household surfaces or air quality, and doesn’t address the root of the problem.
5. Can silverfish spread to other rooms?
Yes. If left untreated, they can move from bathrooms to basements, closets, and kitchens, anywhere humid with food sources.
Final Thoughts
To truly get rid of silverfish in the bathroom, you need to think beyond quick fixes. The solution lies in reducing humidity, sealing hiding spots, and cutting off access to food. Natural traps and powders can help, while insecticides should be reserved for stubborn infestations. And if the situation is getting out of control, you need to contact ASM Pest Control for the safe and complete elimination of silverfish.
Silverfish are survivors, but they can’t thrive in a bathroom that’s dry, sealed, and regularly cleaned. With the right approach, you can make sure your bathroom stays a place for you, not for pests.