Keep Moisture-Loving Silverfish Out Of Your Bathroom With These Useful Tips

Silverfish have a knack for infiltrating homes, and if there's one area in the home they can't resist, it's the bathroom. The combination of darkness, dampness, and warmth creates a perfect environment to attract these small, unsightly pests. Thankfully, though, by implementing a few simple cleaning practices — along with sprinkling diatomaceous earth (DE) over surfaces — it's possible to expel (and keep out) the moisture-loving silverfish from your bathroom space.

An efficient tool to use on silverfish is diatomaceous earth, a white powder derived from the fossilized remains of diatoms, tiny aquatic organisms. This all-natural substance has no odor but is highly effective in defending against various pests, including silverfish. Rather than poisoning bugs, DE works by dehydrating and drying the bugs out. For silverish, the powder dissolves the bug's outer coating. Once this coating is gone, the silverish can no longer retain moisture, eventually leading to its demise. Additionally, diatomaceous earth's microscopic, sharp, glass-like edges act abrasively when the silverfish cross over it, further accelerating the process.

Silverfish are particularly drawn to dirty, unkempt areas where they can feast upon food, paper, or even dust. Therefore, before applying diatomaceous earth or other household products to your bathroom, it's important to first clean it. Once the area is clean and dry, you can then apply your DE powder. Add the product to common silverfish hotspots, such as bathroom baseboards and corners. However, given that this is the bathroom, remember not to apply the powder to any space that is constantly damp, as wet diatomaceous earth doesn't work.

It's important to note that DE powder doesn't attract bugs, so there's no need to go overboard with the application (like in the image above). Placing large piles of the powder may cause pests to navigate around it rather than slithering over it, which is what you want. It's best to sprinkle the powder in a controlled and strategic manner where you think silverfish tend to frequent and reapply every few days or even daily.

Silverfish typically invade homes in search of food and warm, damp environments, which is why they often end up gravitating toward bathrooms. While DE powder can help control these pests, there are other ways to get rid of silverfish, beginning with maintaining a dry and clean bathroom. Regularly inspect and fix any sources of excessive moisture, such as leaky pipes or faucets. Also, pay attention to proper ventilation and consider using a dehumidifier if the bathroom tends to be consistently humid.

Furthermore, keeping the bathroom clutter-free is key. Avoid storing stacks of old magazines or books, as they can serve as hiding places and food sources for silverfish. Note that in cases of severe infestations, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance. Female silverfish can lay up to three eggs daily in cracks and crevices of a bathroom or other room in your home. And, although they don't bite, silverfish infestations can cause damage (e.g., to wallpaper) if left untreated.