Silverfish in Your Bathroom? Try This Fix
It’s late at night in your cozy Fontana home, and as you head into the bathroom, what do you spot out of the corner of your eye? A silvery, darting creature disappearing into the shadows.
It’s not a ghost (unless, perhaps, you live in one of the city’s historical homes dating back to the early 20th century).
No, it’s more likely that you’re dealing with a common pest here in the Golden State: silverfish.
If you’ve noticed silverfish in the bathroom, you’re likely wondering, what attracts silverfish? Where do silverfish come from? And most importantly, how can you get rid of them fast? In this post, we’ll tell you what you need to know.
Why Are There Silverfish in My Bathroom?
Silverfish thrive in warm, moist, and dark environments, which makes your bathroom the perfect retreat. With high humidity from hot showers and plenty of tiny spaces to hide, the humble bathroom becomes prime territory for these pests.
Often, silverfish in the bathroom go unnoticed until you spot them darting across your floor or walls in the dead of night.
Fun fact for your peace of mind (or maybe just to satiate your curiosity): despite their creepy appearance, silverfish don't bite or spread disease. But they do feast on everything from wallpaper glue to shampoo, which isn’t exactly a feature you’d want in a house guest.
Where Do Silverfish Come From?
Silverfish are skilled survivors. They typically enter your home through cracks, gaps, or hitchhiking on materials like cardboard boxes. Once inside, they gravitate toward areas like bathrooms, basements, and kitchens in search of food and moisture.
Silverfish are ancient creatures, quite literally—they've been scuttling around since the time of the dinosaurs! Their long history of adaptability is why they’re so tricky to completely eliminate without proper treatment.
What Attracts Silverfish?
To prevent pests, it helps to understand what attracts silverfish in the first place. These little invaders are drawn to a few key things:
Moisture: High humidity and damp conditions are their paradise.
Starch and Sugars: Silverfish love munching on toothpaste residue, paper, glue, and even crumbs left behind.
Warmth: They prefer temperatures between 70-85°F, making Southern California's climate welcoming.
Just as it’s important for other types of pest infestations, eliminating the conditions that attract them is the first step to keeping your bathroom free from silverfish.
Preventing Silverfish in the Bathroom
Keeping silverfish out of your bathroom is all about reducing the things they love. Here are some practical steps you can take:
Control Humidity
Use a dehumidifier or improve ventilation by installing an exhaust fan in your bathroom. Open windows to allow airflow when possible.
Seal Cracks and Gaps
Inspect your bathroom for cracks in the walls, floors, or around windows. Use caulk to seal their potential entry points.
Minimize Food Sources
Clean up any paper products, cardboard boxes, or spilled starchy items near your bathroom. Always make sure your toothpaste bottles and shampoos are closed tightly.
Declutter Hidden Spaces
Bad news for the collector or hobbyist: silverfish love clutter. Regularly clean areas under sinks or behind toilets where moisture can accumulate.
How to Get Rid of Silverfish in the Bathroom
If you already have silverfish in the bathroom, here’s your action plan to get rid of them:
Set Traps: Sticky traps or small glass jars baited with starchy food (like bread) can work wonders. The silverfish won’t be able to escape.
Use Boric Acid or Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle these powders in cracks and crevices. They’re great at killing silverfish but safe for humans when used carefully.
Vacuum Regularly: Use your vacuum to clean tight spaces, removing eggs and silverfish hiding in baseboards.
One last tip? If your infestation is particularly stubborn, professional pest control services like those at Procraft can help you make sure every last silverfish is eliminated.
Call Your Local Pest Control Service for Silverfish Infestations
At ProCraft Pest Control, we specialize in removing silverfish in the bathroom and other tricky pests across Fontana and beyond. Our expert team will inspect your property, identify problem areas, and create a tailored plan to eliminate your infestation.
Don’t wait! Book your consultation today. We’ll make sure silverfish scuttling across your bath mat is a thing of the past!
As for the ghosts, we can’t help with that one. Sorry!
Did You Know?
Silverfish can live without food for months, but they need moisture to survive in the short-term. That’s why bathrooms are such a hot spot for infestations. Their adaptability and hardiness make them one of the toughest pests to tackle without thorough treatment.
FAQ
Why do I keep seeing silverfish in my bathroom?
Silverfish thrive in humid, warm environments. Bathrooms that lack proper ventilation or have small leaks create an ideal habitat for them.
Are silverfish harmful?
Silverfish do not bite or carry diseases, but they can cause damage by eating paper, fabric, and even certain adhesives.
What kills silverfish quickly?
Boric acid and diatomaceous earth are effective at killing silverfish when applied to areas where they hide. Sticky traps are another quick option.
How do I prevent silverfish in the bathroom?
Lower the humidity, seal any cracks, remove clutter, and clean up starchy residues like old paper products or leaky shampoo bottles.
Who should I call for silverfish infestations in Fontana?
ProCraft Pest Control is your go-to pest control expert for tackling silverfish and other pests. Contact us today for professional solutions!
