This month, people are being advised to pour bleach and hot water down their sinks to prevent a bug invasion. Experts have cautioned that British households could experience an increase in silverfish as the weather becomes colder and more humid.

Silverfish are small insects, despite their name, usually measuring between 12mm-19mm in length. They are known to consume the sugar and starch found in items such as books, photographs, documents, and wallpaper.

Although they don’t bite humans, their presence can aggravate allergies, especially in individuals sensitive to mites and other insects, according to a German study.

Silverfish prefer damp and humid environments like bathrooms and kitchens throughout the year. Home experts are concerned they will breed in moist areas, leaving yellow stains as evidence of their presence.

Effective solutions include buying a dehumidifier and using lavender scents to get rid of them. Andy Ellis, a bathroom expert at Vidalux, urged people to act promptly as these pests can be difficult to catch.

“The silver-scaled insects are one of the most exasperating issues to tackle in bathrooms,” said Ellis. “Although they aren’t harmful, they don’t just show up once and disappear; they’re drawn to any dampness they detect in a home.”

“They also favour coming in houses during winter as many homes will have higher humidity levels from the heating being turned on and the cold from outside causing condensation on the windows.

“To help deal with the problem once and for all, we strongly advise tackling humidity by fixing vents and investing in dehumidifiers. It’s also worth hanging up the bathroom mats after every shower to prevent their appearance.”

How to banish silverfish

Repair the vents – Silverfish are naturally drawn to rooms with high humidity, which is why it’s crucial to ensure all vents are in working order to reduce the chance of them appearing. A functioning vent will help manage bathroom condensation, which can contribute to high humidity levels.

Use bleach and boiling water in sinks – Don’t be shocked if you discover silverfish in your bathroom and kitchen sinks, as they’re known to climb up the pipes in search of damp areas in a home. Clean the sink with bleach and rinse it with boiling water to deter them.

Air out bathroom mats – Regularly hang up bathroom mats to air dry. If they’re left on the floor, they can create a damp area that invites silverfish, reports Surrey Live.

Invest in a dehumidifier – The fastest way to reduce moisture in the air is to invest in a dehumidifier. Position it in areas prone to humidity such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Use lavender oil – Dab some lavender oil onto cotton pads and apply it to the sink, shower drain, and even the toilet to ward off silverfish. The pests can’t tolerate the scent and will avoid areas where it’s present.

Clean potential hiding spots –  Dark corners and behind radiators where wet towels are hung are potential hiding places for silverfish. It’s vital to clean these areas regularly so you can identify the problem as soon as possible. Yellow stains are also a sign of their presence.

Hire professionals – If home remedies fail to eradicate silverfish, it’s crucial to call in professionals to handle the issue. This could indicate a potential leak in the pipes causing dampness beneath the house.