Why IPs typically get listed
PSBL is a passive, spamtrap-based list.
It only lists an IP after that IP sends mail to one of PSBL's trap addresses.
A single delivery to a trap is enough to trigger a listing.
PSBL's own filters strip out obvious virus and bounce traffic first.
That step keeps the false positive rate low compared to reputation-based lists.
In practice, a few causes show up again and again.
Old or purchased contact lists often contain trap addresses mixed in.
A compromised mailbox or an infected device on your network can send spam without your knowledge.
Open relays or a misconfigured mail server can let outside senders route spam through your IP.
If the underlying issue gets fixed, the listing usually clears on its own over time.
A malware infection that keeps reinfecting a device is sometimes called a spam zombie.
That kind of infection can cause a much longer listing if it's never resolved.
How to check if you're listed
Visit the PSBL listing lookup page on the operator's own site.
Enter your IP address to see if it is currently listed, or was listed in the past.
PSBL also shows the time its spam trap received mail from that IP.
If applicable, it shows the removal timestamp too.
That detail helps you match the listing to a specific event in your own mail logs.
You can also check PSBL through most third party DNSBL lookup tools.
The psbl.surriel.com zone is a public DNS record any mail server can query directly.
How to get removed
Start with your mail logs from around the time the trap hit occurred.
Look for a compromised account, an infected device, or an old contact list.
Fix the underlying cause before you request removal.
Submitting a removal request before the problem is solved often leads to a fast relisting.
Once the source is handled, go to the PSBL website's removal page.
Enter the listed IP address and submit the request.
No fee or account is required to use the form.
PSBL is built around a self-service model.
Anyone can submit a removal request for an IP address, not only its owner.
PSBL also keeps an internal allowlist of known good mail servers.
This keeps them from being listed again after a fix.
If a fixed IP keeps getting relisted, it's worth checking whether it should be added to that list.
If you need more detail on why a specific listing happened, PSBL's team can be reached by email.
The contact address is published directly on their site.
A note on Surriel
The PSBL zone lives at psbl.surriel.com.
Some DNSBL directories list "Surriel" as if it were a separate operator.
It isn't. Surriel is simply the domain PSBL's infrastructure runs on.
Both names point to the same list under the same operator.
Try our Blacklist Monitoring tool for free today.
How long it typically takes
PSBL describes its own policy as easy-on, easy-off.
Manual removal through the website is designed to clear a listing quickly once it's submitted.
If you skip a manual request, natural expiration typically takes around two to three weeks.
That's how long PSBL waits without a new trap hit before an IP times out on its own.
A manual request through the removal form is almost always faster than waiting out that window.
FAQ
How do I do a PSBL blacklist check?
Go to the PSBL listing lookup page on the operator's own site and enter your IP address. The page shows whether the IP is currently listed and, if so, when the spamtrap hit occurred. You can also run the check through most third party DNSBL or MX diagnostic tools. The zone is publicly queryable.
How do I remove an IP from PSBL?
Use the removal form on the PSBL website and enter the listed IP address. Fix whatever caused the spamtrap hit first, such as a compromised account or an old contact list. Submitting removal before the cause is fixed often just leads to a repeat listing.
Why did PSBL list my IP if I never knowingly sent spam?
A single delivery to one of PSBL's trap addresses is enough to trigger a listing. This often happens through a compromised account or an infected device on your network. An old contact list that still holds a trap address can also cause it. Check your mail logs around the listing timestamp to find the source.
Does a PSBL listing badly affect my email deliverability?
PSBL is used by fewer receiving mail servers than the largest blacklists, so the impact varies by recipient. Some spam filters, including default SpamAssassin installs, add a small score for a PSBL match. They don't reject mail outright. Combined with other spam signals, that score can still push a message over a filter's block threshold.
Will my IP get relisted after removal?
Yes, if the same server keeps sending mail to PSBL's spam traps. Removal only clears the current listing, it doesn't fix the underlying cause. Secure any compromised accounts, clean old contact lists, and check for open relays before you consider the issue resolved.
