Silverfish in Bathroom? [Quick Solutions to Remove]

Are you tired of finding silverfish in your bathroom? Yeah, my family and I were too!

These pesky insects are attracted to the moisture and warmth in bathrooms, and yeah… that’s a bit hard to avoid unless you want to take cold showers and baths right?

But not to worry. I figured out plenty of effective solutions to get rid of them.

Below, I’ll share some proven tips and tricks for banishing silverfish from your bathroom for good.

We’ll look at chemical treatments to natural remedies, so you’re covered.

Say goodbye to silverfish and hello to a clean, pest-free bathroom!

What Are Silverfish?

But first, what the heck are these bugs?

Ok, silverfish aren’t fish, but rather insects with scales. They’re also nocturnal bugs, meaning you typically see them at night.

Their scientific name is Lepisma saccharina and they’re most often found in our kitchens, laundry rooms and yep…our bathrooms.

Don’t be alarmed though, they’re harmless to you (except maybe emotionally!).

But on a more serious level, they can be damaging to your home. So it’s good that you do keep an eye out for these little critters!

Why are Silverfish in the Bathroom?

Moisture

Silverfish are attracted to damp and humid environments, which make bathrooms an ideal habitat for them.

Bathrooms are damp and humid places in your home, especially if you’re a regular shower taker, and this makes them a preferred silverfish habitat.

The regular presence of water sources such as leaky pipes, condensation, or insufficient ventilation can create a suitable environment for silverfish to thrive.

Drains, sinks, and showers create constant moisture. Trust me, it’s more than you ever thought about.

Food Sources

Believe it or not, your bathroom offers a buffet for silverfish.

Weird, right?

They’re attracted to the cellulose in some products you probably have in your bathroom like toilet paper, wallpaper, and even some adhesives.

Besides that, silverfish munch on hair and dead skin cells. Yeps, lots of that stuff in the most private room of your house!

To deter these pests, keep your bathroom clean and store items like toilet paper in sealed containers.

Warmth

Silverfish thrive in warm environments—you know, just the way you like your bathroom.

Your hot showers and baths, hairdryers, and even your body heat raise this small room’s temperature, making it an ideal hangout spot for these critters.

To keep them at bay, try to maintain a cool environment when you’re not in there for long periods of time.

Darkness and Shelter

Lots of hidden nooks and crannies make your bathroom an ideal spot for silverfish (isn’t the bathroom a great hide-and-go-seek hiding spot for humans too?).

They love hiding in dark, undisturbed areas such as under sinks, behind cabinets, in wall crevices, or underneath rugs.

It’s also why you might spot them scurrying away when you turn on the bathroom lights.

Make sure to seal cracks in walls and floors and declutter your bathroom to limit their shelter options.

Accessibility

Silverfish are nocturnal for a reason: They really prefer undisturbed environments and areas there is fewer people and less activity.

And that’s when we’re asleep!

So bathrooms, being less frequently used during the night, provide silverfish with easy accessibility and reduced chances of encountering humans.

The lack of disturbance increases their comfort and likelihood of establishing a presence in your bathroom. Yeah, neat huh?

How to Get Rid of Silverfish in Your Bathroom

Ok, so let’s get to some of the basic steps you can take to take control of your bathroom again.

Reduce Moisture Levels

To get rid of silverfish, start by reducing moisture levels in your bathroom.

I found that running the exhaust fan whenever I’m in the bathroom is key to brining down the humidity.

It goes without saying to run the fan when you’re showering but I do it any time, since my own body is releasing some level of moisture constantly as well.

You can also invest in a dehumidifier to maintain a humidity level below 50% as a top-line target.

For us, we upgraded our exhaust fan to a more powerful one, and that did the trick.

You should also fix any leaks, and ensure proper ventilation is in place in general such as an open window (when it makes sense) or an open HVAC vent.

Additionally, avoid leaving damp towels or clothes on the floor as these definitely attract silverfish.

Remove Food Sources

Remove silverfish food sources by keeping your bathroom clean and free of debris.

Regularly vacuum and dust the area around sinks, tubs, and toilets.

You can also store toiletries in airtight containers to prevent silverfish from accessing them.

Seal Entry Points

Seal any cracks and crevices in your bathroom walls, floors, and baseboards with caulk or silicone sealant.

Make sure you inspect your bathroom frequently for new entry points and address them quickly; not just for silverfish but all kinds of bugs.

No tiny spaces, no uninvited guests!

Traps and Insecticides

Consider using sticky traps designed for silverfish to catch them in your bathroom.

Place these traps in crevices and other hiding spots where you’ve seen silverfish activity.

A natural scented attractant will be irresistible to these insects.

When they enter a small tray, the glue simply traps them, and they die.

You can also use insecticides such as boric acid or pyrethrin, but be sure to follow the instructions carefully and keep them away from children and pets.

I tend to like poisonous traps like the packs from Dekko.

The active substance stays contained with these small packs that the bugs can get to but no one else in the house can.

Natural DIY Remedies for Your Bathroom Infestation

If you’re opposed to poisons and chemicals, I understand completely.

The bathroom may not matter, but we opted for natural remedies when found silverfish in our bedroom, where we sleep!

Here’s a few ways to combat these guys directly:

D.E. Powder to the Rescue

Try sprinkling diatomaceous earth in areas where silverfish congregate or seem to come from out of hiding.

This natural substance can be effective in killing silverfish by damaging their exoskeletons.

Using Essential Oils

Essential oils such as lavender, citrus, and eucalyptus can help repel bugs like silverfish.

Add a few drops of these oils to a spray bottle filled with water, and spray the mixture in problem areas for a natural deterrent.

You’ll be helping your bathroom area smell good at the same time!

Aside from spraying, you can also drop down some cinnamon sticks. These pests are not fans of these and will avoid areas where you place them like the plague!

Create Homemade Silverfish Traps

You can create your own silverfish traps by using a glass jar or a small container.

Place a piece of tape on the outside of the jar from the rim to the floor, creating a “grippy” ladder for silverfish to climb up.

Place bait such as bread or a small ball of wet paper inside the jar. You can pre-soak these in some sugar water to draw them in even moore.

Silverfish will climb into the jar on tape, fall in to get the bat, but won’t be able to climb out of the jar since the glass walls are too smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are silverfish harmful?

No, silverfish aren’t harmful to you or your health. They’re considered a nuisance rather than a threat.

However, they can damage your house and personal belongings, like books and clothing.

Can silverfish come up from my bathtub or shower drain?

Yes, they can crawl up drains. As you now know, silverfish prefer damp environments, so bathrooms are attractive to them.

To prevent them from coming through your drain, keep your bathroom clean and dry, and use a drain cover.

Do they eat toilet paper?

Silverfish do eat toilet paper!

They’re attracted to cellulose, which is found in paper products.

Storing toilet paper in sealed containers or plastic bags can help deter them. 

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Remember, a clean and dry bathroom is key to keeping silverfish at bay.

Stay proactive about tackling humidity and sealing up potential entry points, and you’ll be on your way to a silverfish-free space.

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