Silverfish in Your German Apartment? A Guide for Expats

Moving to Germany comes with plenty of surprises, from navigating Anmeldung paperwork to discovering just how many different types of bread exist.

But one surprise that catches many expats off guard? The unexpected arrival of silverfish (Silberfische) in their apartment.

These tiny, silvery insects thrive in many German homes, especially in the damp corners of bathrooms, kitchens, and even bedrooms. The good news: silverfish are harmless to humans. The bad news: they’re stubborn guests.

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Here’s everything you need to know to get rid of silverfish and prevent them from coming back.

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Why Silverfish Appear in German Apartments

Silverfish love warm, humid environments. In Germany, they often show up when:

• Humidity is high for long periods - especially in bathrooms without proper ventilation.
• New builds still hold residual moisture in walls and floors.
• There are leaks or poor airflow in corners and behind furniture.

Common hiding spots: behind skirting boards (Fußleisten), under bathtubs, inside wall cracks, or in tile grout (Fugen).

💡 Note: Finding silverfish is not a sign of poor hygiene - even spotless homes can host them.

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Natural Remedies to Remove Silverfish

Before calling in chemicals, try these Hausmittel (home remedies) popular in Germany:

1. Backpulver + Zucker : Mix baking powder with sugar to attract and kill silverfish.
2. Lavendelöl or Zitronensaft : The scent repels them naturally.
3. Essig + Natron Cleaning : Scrub corners and tile grout to drive them away.
4. Kartoffel Falle : A hollowed-out potato left overnight can trap them.
5. Klebefallen : Sticky traps available in hardware stores (Baumarkt).

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When to Call in Reinforcements

If the infestation doesn’t stop, you can:

• Use chemical bait boxes (Köderdosen) found in German supermarkets and DIY stores.
• Hire a Kammerjäger (professional pest control) for severe cases.

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Long-Term Prevention in Germany

The real key to keeping silverfish away is reducing humidity and removing hiding places:

Control moisture:

• Open windows for Stoßlüften (quick, intense airing) twice a day.
• Use a Luftentfeuchter (dehumidifier) in problem areas.
• Seal leaks quickly.

Remove hiding spots:

• Seal gaps in floors and walls.
• Avoid storing piles of paper or cardboard on the floor.
• Vacuum and mop regularly.

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Room-by-Room Tips for Expats

Bathroom (Bad):

• Wipe down wet surfaces after showering.
• Keep the door open for better airflow.

Kitchen (Küche):

• Remove food scraps promptly.
• Clean behind appliances regularly.

Bedroom (Schlafzimmer):

• Keep furniture a few centimeters away from walls.
• Ensure air can circulate freely.

If you’ve recently moved to Germany and noticed little silver flashes darting along your bathroom floor, don’t panic. Silverfish are a common here, but with a few preventative steps and the right remedies, you can send them packing for good.