Bathroom pest warning to UK households and how to get rid of them

Silverfish are a common domestic nuisance throughout the year, but they thrive in humid environments like bathrooms. Andy Ellis, a bathroom specialist at SteamShowerStore.co.

uk, said: "The silver-scaled bugs are one of the most frustrating problems to deal with in bathrooms. "While they're generally harmless, the critters don't just appear once and never again, they like to come and go the moment they sniff out any dampness 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.



" READ MORE: Hidden toaster compartment could save you money says expert For those battling with these pests, he offers a solution: "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," reports the Express . 1.

Fix vents, Addressing the issue directly, Ellis states that silverfish are drawn to areas with high humidity, making proper ventilation crucial. "Silverfish pests are naturally attracted to high-humidity areas so it's important to get vents installed or fixed to prevent them from popping up". The expert said an efficient vent will help deal with bathroom condensation which can contribute to high levels of humidity.

2. Bleach and water. Detailing a cleaning tip, Andy advises: "Don't be surprised if you find silverfish in your bathroom and kitchen sinks as they're known to crawl up the pipes to find damp areas in a home.

" He recommends a thorough approach: "Clean the sink with bleach and wash it down with boiling water to prevent them from appearing." 3. Hang up bathroom mats.

After every bath and shower, it's recommended to hang up bathroom mats to air them out. If left on the floor, they can create a damp environment that attracts silverfish. 4.

Get a de-humidifier Investing in a dehumidifier is one of the quickest ways to remove moisture in the air. It's best placed in areas prone to humidity like bathrooms or kitchens. 5.

Thorough cleaning The expert suggested: "Pour some lavender oil onto cotton pads and dab the sink, shower drain and even the toilets to prevent silverfish. The critters can't stand the scent and will avoid areas where it's present." Regular deep cleaning, especially in dark corners and behind radiators where wet towels are hung, is crucial.

Yellow stains could indicate the presence of these pests. Andy advised: "If the remedy solutions don't work in removing silverfish, it's vital professionals are called to tackle the problem." He added: "It could mean there may be a leak in the piping causing dampness under the house.

".