Despite all of the lovely cosy things winter and autumn brings with them, they also bring some less than savoury side effects – namely, pests. Pests that tend to peak around autumn time include, but are not limited to, rats, mice, spiders, moths and my personal least favourite silverfish.
Silverfish are among the most common damp-loving visitors, but they’re not the only pests that can become more noticeable at this time of year. Spiders, flies, mice, moths and other household insects may also start making their way indoors as the weather changes.
One habit in particular can make your home more welcoming than you would like, and it’s unfortunately a very common mistake to make. The good news is a few simple changes to how you deal with moisture in your home can make it less inviting to pests, while also helping to prevent condensation, musty smells and mould. I’ve chatted to pest control experts to find out what this habit is, why pests like it so much and how to stop it.
The damp-room habit to stop
Letting moisture linger after everyday tasks
‘The damp-room habit most likely to encourage silverfish is allowing moisture to build up and linger,’ says Ricky Young, owner of Youngs Pest Control. For example, habits like leaving a bathroom steamy after showers, drying wet towels or laundry indoors without ventilation or not using an extractor fan can all contribute to making your home ideal for humidity-loving pests.
‘Silverfish favour dark, humid places and are especially drawn to bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms and basements where condensation is regularly left to form,’ says Ricky.
Sophie Thorogood, technical training manager and field biologist at Pelsis, and a director of the National Pest Technicians Association goes on to explain that these habits have an even greater impact during the colder months, saying, ‘In wintertime, there is a higher humidity, and drying laundry will add more moisture into the air… Silverfish rely on moisture to survive, so the best way to discourage them is by keeping your home as dry as possible.
What to read next
Why silverfish and other pests like damp conditions
Damp conditions do not attract every pest directly, but they create the humid environment in which many small insects not only survive in, but thrive in.
‘Most insects do prefer humid conditions but typically plaster beetles and booklice are found in damp locations as they feed on mildew and mould growth created by damp conditions. The mould growth could be on a wall in a bathroom, from a leaking pipe or even a bag of old flour left at the back of the cupboard,’ explains Sophie.
Silverfish do not feed on moisture itself, but they prefer humid, sheltered spaces and feed on starchy materials such as paper, cardboard and glue. During the colder months, closed windows, indoor laundry and condensation can all increase humidity, making bathrooms, kitchens and cupboards more comfortable places for these pests to hide. Reducing moisture and improving ventilation can therefore remove the conditions they rely on.
How to stop it
1. Ventilate bathrooms after showering
The step likely to make the biggest impact: ensure steam and condensation don't linger after showering. ‘The most effective prevention is moisture control. Use the extractor fan during showers and for at least 15–20 minutes afterwards, open a window where practical, says Ricky.
2. Avoid drying laundry in poorly ventilated rooms
Wet towels, bath mats and clothes all release moisture into the air as they dry. Sophie says: ‘In wintertime, there is a higher humidity, and drying laundry will add even more moisture into the air. If you can, dry things externally or use dehumidifiers. It is best not to cover radiators in damp washing as this only increases humidity.’
3. Use a dehumidifier where necessary
A dehumidifier can help in persistently damp rooms, particularly utility rooms, basements and bathrooms with limited ventilation. However, it should support good airflow rather than replace it. If moisture keeps returning, investigate the underlying cause.
4. Deal with leaks, mould and condensation promptly
‘The best option is prevention,’ advises Sophie. ‘If you see moisture building up in your home such as on windows, take the time to open or ventilate the space. Take action immediately if you start to see mould growth, there are antifungal sprays available that should be used as some moulds can be harmful to your health.’
5. Seal gaps, but do not block ventilation
‘Even tiny cracks can be a gateway for these pests, so it's worth doing a thorough check of your home's exterior. Sealing gaps around windows, doors and skirting boards is a simple but effective step,’ says Sophie.
It is also worth remembering that sprays and scented repellents are unlikely to solve the problem if damp conditions remain. Sophie says: ‘There are a number of repellents that state they prevent insects, these are usually ineffective and while they make your homes smell nice (lavender or lemon) they are never used in professional pest control as they have limited effectiveness.’
