By admin 
Residents of Britain are being urged to be on the lookout for a particular insect that could be infesting their homes this season. Experts have warned that households could face an invasion of silverfish as the weather turns colder.
Bathroom specialists from SteamShowerStore.co.uk have provided advice on how to permanently rid your home of these annoying pests and explained why they are more common during the colder months. Although silverfish can be found in the home all year round, they especially thrive in areas with high humidity.
As winter approaches and the heating systems are turned on, many people will notice an increase in humidity. This creates an ideal environment for silverfish, which often congregate in damp areas and leave yellow spots as evidence of their presence.
Other signs of a silverfish infestation include shed skin, small black droppings, and damage to furniture and carpets, as these insects feed on almost anything that contains starch. Experts recommend using a dehumidifier and introducing lavender scents as effective ways to help eradicate these pests.
Although these insects are generally considered a nuisance, they won’t harm you, but they can ruin your food. Silverfish are known to leave feces in your food, so checking for signs of these pests is crucial.
If you discover any bugs, be sure to throw away the affected items. Although silverfish do not pose a threat to your health and do not bite, they can wreak havoc in your home.
As chewing insects, they are able to chew through things, and their droppings can leave unsightly stains. Silverfish prefer dark spaces, often hide during the day and avoid bright sunlight. If disturbed, they quickly run away to find another secluded, dimly lit area in which to hide.
Bathroom expert Andy Ellis of SteamShowerStore.co.uk points out that this silver nuisance is particularly troublesome in bathrooms. “Although generally harmless, the bugs don’t just appear once and never again, they like to come and go as soon as they sniff moisture in a home,” he explained.
“They also prefer to enter homes in winter. Many homes will have higher humidity because the heating is on and the cold outside causes condensation on the windows.
“To help tackle this problem, we strongly recommend tackling humidity by fixing vents and investing in dehumidifiers. It’s also worth hanging up bathroom mats after every shower to prevent them from appearing. “
How to Get Rid of Silverfish:
1. Repair the Vents: Silverfish are attracted to areas with high humidity, so it is crucial to ensure that all vents are well maintained to reduce the chance of them appearing. Properly functioning vents can help control condensation in the bathroom, which often results in increased humidity.
2. Use bleach and boiling water in the sink: It is not uncommon to find silverfish in your bathroom and kitchen sink as they tend to climb through the pipes in search of damp areas. To discourage them, clean the sink with bleach and then hot water.
3. Air out bathroom mats: Occasionally hang up bathroom mats to air them out. Leaving them on the ground creates a moist environment that attracts silverfish.
4. Consider a dehumidifier: A dehumidifier is an excellent way to reduce humidity in the air. For optimal results, place it in areas that are sensitive to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
5. Use lavender oil: To keep silverfish away, apply some lavender oil to cotton pads and dab them around the sink, shower drain and toilet. These pests do not like the smell and will avoid treated areas.
6. Clear out hiding places: Silverfish often hide in dark corners and behind radiators where damp towels are kept. Regularly cleaning these areas is essential for detecting any problems early. Look for yellow spots, which may indicate their presence.
7. Seek professional help: If your efforts to eradicate silverfish prove fruitless, it is crucial to contact professionals. A sewer leak can cause moisture under your house.
Female silverfish continuously lay eggs once they reach adulthood. They usually lay their eggs in the small holes and crevices found throughout the home, and these eggs usually hatch within three weeks.
The young silverfish mature in about four to six weeks. The young silverfish resemble their adult counterparts, only in a smaller and lighter form. These insects have a surprisingly long lifespan, ranging from two to eight years.
They can also go without food for long periods of time, sometimes up to a year. However, they are quite sensitive to moisture and thrive in high humidity environments.