By Lynn Love,Neil Shaw

Copyright dailyrecord

Scottish homeowners are being advised to pour bleach and hot water into all of their sinks this September to prevent any bug invasions. According to experts, homes across the UK could see a surge in silverfish as temperatures drop. Silverfish are tiny insects , typically 12 mm to 19 mm long. They are attracted to sugar and starch in household items such as books, photographs, documents, and wallpaper. Thankfully, they don’t bite humans; however, according to a study from German experts, their presence in our homes can wreak havoc with people’s allergies, especially those who are allergic to mites and other bugs . With the weather now turning colder and damper, the bugs are in perfect conditions to thrive. They love damp and humid spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens all year round. Home experts are worried they will multiply in damp spots and leave behind yellow marks as evidence of their presence. Heavy-duty solutions include purchasing a dehumidifier and utilising lavender fragrances, which are successful methods to eliminate them. Andy Ellis, bathroom specialist at Vidalux , insisted Brits take immediate action as the bugs can be annoying to catch. “The silver-scaled bugs are one of the most frustrating problems to deal with in bathrooms,” he said. “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. “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.” Sort out the ventilation – Silverfish are naturally attracted to spaces with elevated moisture levels, making it essential to ensure all air vents are functioning properly to minimise the likelihood of them turning up. Proper ventilation will help control bathroom steam, which can lead to increased humidity. Deploy bleach and scalding water in basins— Don’t be surprised if you find silverfish lurking in your bathroom and kitchen basins. They’re notorious for scaling the plumbing while hunting for moist spots throughout a property. Sanitise the basin with bleach and flush it through with scalding water to put them off. Dry out bathroom mats – Consistently hang bathroom mats up to air dry. When they’re abandoned on the floor, they can establish a soggy environment that welcomes silverfish, reports Surrey Live . Buy a dehumidifier – The quickest method to decrease atmospheric moisture is to purchase a dehumidifier. Place it in humidity-prone zones such as bathrooms and kitchens. Use lavender oil — Apply some lavender oil to cotton pads and place them in the sink, shower drain, and even the toilet to deter silverfish. The pests can’t stand the scent and will steer clear of areas where it’s present. Clean potential hiding spots – Dark corners and behind radiators where damp towels are hung are potential hideouts for silverfish. It’s essential to clean these areas regularly so you can spot the problem as soon as possible. Yellow stains are also a sign of their presence. Hire professionals – If home remedies don’t get rid of silverfish, it’s vital to bring in professionals to tackle the issue. This could suggest a potential leak in the pipes, causing dampness beneath the house.