Strange insect invading homes in August and 15p method to stop it
The odd creatures are making their way inside houses this August but can be stopped for as little as 15p.
A strange insect is invading homes this August and every homeowner is being urged to use a 15p method to stop it.
Tiny, shiny silver and shaped like a teardrop, silverfish are a very unusual creature and this month they are cropping up in homes throughout the UK.
The bugs are starting their ritual of finding cover for the autumn and winter months ahead and much like spiders, will start to march into houses throughout August as warm weather peaks.
Silverfish are attracted to damp places, so finding a silverfish anywhere other than your bathroom can also be an early warning sign that moisture is getting into your walls and causing possible issues.
New data from Victorian Plumbing has found that these pesky insects are most common in the home around August when they cling to damp areas such as bathrooms.
Alex Woods, bathroom expert at Victorian Plumbing is recommending home owners use three top tips to keep your bathroom free from silverfish.
Firstly, dehumidifiers. Silverfish are often found in bathrooms as they are attracted to areas with high moisture levels. When bathrooms become damp and humid they are the ideal place for silverfish to gather.
Reducing bathroom humidity is essential when looking to eliminate silverfish in your bathroom. This can be done in a few simple steps, firstly installing an extractor fan in your bathroom can not only stop unwanted pests but also stop the spread of mould and mildew in the room. For a cheaper but short-term option, buying disposable dehumidifiers can help to reduce excess moisture.
Dehumidifiers work by trapping the moisture in the air, preventing it from spreading around the room. This is especially important in small or windowless rooms, in particular bathrooms, where moisture has nowhere to escape.”
Essential Oils work too: “A quick, easy and cost-effective way of getting rid of silverfish is with essential oils such as peppermint, lavender and rosemary. The scent of these oils is great at repelling the insects, and costs as little as £3 for a bottle which can be used again and again."
At £3 a bottle, using 10 drops at a time at a cost of 15p per use could stop silverfish and protect against all sorts of expensive damage they can cause inside your walls.
“Simply soak a cotton ball in the oil and place it around the sink and shower drains or any other crevices they may slip in from to prevent silverfish from taking over your bathroom!”
And finally, it sounds odd but making one change to your bath mat can also work.
Alex adds: “One of the simplest ways of reducing the risk of silverfish in your bathroom is by hanging up your bath mat or over the bath after use.
“When your bath mat becomes damp after being used it can leave a moist and warm environment in which silverfish thrive.”
