By Central Pest Control
If you’ve ever walked into your bathroom at night, turned on the light, and spotted a tiny, fast-moving silver insect darting across the floor, you’re not alone. Silverfish are one of the most common bathroom pests across Ireland-and while they’re harmless to humans, they can certainly be unsettling, damage belongings, and signal moisture problems in your home.
At Central Pest Control, we regularly help homeowners eliminate silverfish infestations quickly and safely. Here’s what you need to know about why they appear, how to prevent them, and when it’s time to call in a professional.
What Are Silverfish?
Silverfish are small, wingless insects known for their silvery-grey colour and fish-like movement. They thrive in warm, damp, and dark environments, which makes bathrooms one of their favourite hiding places.
Why Do Silverfish Love Bathrooms?
1. High Humidity
Bathrooms naturally create moist conditions, especially if:
- There’s poor ventilation
- Hot showers produce steam
- Leaks go unresolved
Moisture is silverfish’s number-one attraction.
2. A Steady Food Source
Silverfish feed on:
- Paper and cardboard
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo and soap residue
- Hair and dead skin cells
Bathrooms offer plenty of these starchy, sugary, and protein-rich materials.
3. Dark, Undisturbed Spaces
Cracks behind skirting boards, the underside of sinks, bathroom cabinets, and tile gaps create the perfect hiding spots for silverfish.
Are Silverfish Harmful?
Silverfish don’t bite, don’t spread disease, and don’t pose health risks.
However, they can:
- Damage books, wallpaper, and fabrics
- Contaminate food storage areas
- Indicate a long-term damp problem
A small sighting may not be a crisis, but regular sightings often signal a larger infestation.
How to Prevent Silverfish in Your Bathroom
1. Reduce Moisture
- Use an extractor fan during and after showers
- Open windows for airflow
- Fix leaks under sinks, toilets, or bathtubs
- Consider a dehumidifier in moisture-prone homes
2. Keep the Bathroom Clean
- Vacuum regularly, especially corners and crevices
- Wipe down damp surfaces
- Avoid leaving wet laundry or towels on the floor
3. Seal Entry Points
Silverfish slip through tiny cracks. Seal:
- Gaps around pipes
- Cracks in tiles
- Trim where skirting boards meet the floor
4. Remove Clutter
Store toilet paper, cleaning cloths, and paper products in sealed containers.
Home Remedies You Can Try
While not always fully effective, some homeowners find success with:
- Diatomaceous earth
- Clove oil or citrus sprays
- Cedar shavings
These may help repel or kill silverfish, but infestations usually require professional treatment.
When to Call Central Pest Control
If you’re seeing silverfish regularly- especially during daylight- it’s likely you’re dealing with a breeding population hidden somewhere in the bathroom or nearby.
Professional treatment is recommended when:
- DIY solutions stop working
- The infestation spreads beyond the bathroom
- You notice damage to books, wallpaper, or stored items
- You suspect damp issues are contributing to the problem
At Central Pest Control, our technicians use safe, targeted treatments that eliminate silverfish and help prevent them from returning. We also offer advice on moisture control, sealing entry points, and long-term prevention.
Say Goodbye to Silverfish
Your bathroom should be a clean, comfortable place-not a home for unwanted pests. If silverfish are becoming a nuisance, let Central Pest Control take care of the problem quickly and professionally.
📞 Contact Central Pest Control today for fast, reliable silverfish removal and prevention.
Get in touch today to book a consultation or learn more about our services.
Dublin: (01) 200 5900 | Mobile: 086 608 9650
Email: info@centralpestcontrol.ie | Web: www.centralpestcontrol.ie
Shankill Business Centre, Station Road, Shankill, Dublin, D18 NIN2
