How to Get Rid of Silverfish
If you've noticed silverfish scuttling across your floors or lurking in dark corners, you're not alone. These sneaky critters are common household pests that thrive in humid, dark spaces.
The good news? With the right approach, you can eliminate silverfish and prevent them from coming back. Follow these steps for the best results.
Key Takeaways
- Silverfish infestations show up as yellow stains, droppings, holes in paper, and live insects.
- Humidity control, sealed cracks, and airtight food containers help keep silverfish away.
- Killing silverfish involves using diatomaceous earth, boric acid, sticky traps, and DIY glass jar traps.
- Clutter removal, egg monitoring, essential oils, and professional pest control lead to long-term silverfish prevention.
1. Check for Signs of a Silverfish Infestation
Before you start, it's important to confirm that silverfish are the culprits. Look for these signs of an infestation:
- Yellow stains on clothing, paper, and cardboard.
- Small, pepper-like droppings in corners and crevices.
- Irregular holes in books, cereals, starchy foods, and pet food.
- Live sightings, which have teardrop-shaped bodies, long antennae, and a metallic sheen.
2. Reduce Humidity with a Dehumidifier
Silverfish thrive in humid environments like basements, laundry rooms, and crawlspaces. Using a dehumidifier can lower moisture levels, making your home less inviting.
Since they thrive in environments with high relative humidity (75-97%), aim to keep humidity levels below 50%.
3. Eliminate Food Sources
Silverfish love carbohydrates, especially starchy foods like cereals, pasta, and flour. They also feed on paper, glue, and shavings from books and cardboard.
Store food in airtight containers and avoid leaving crumbs or pet food out overnight. Removing these food sources makes your home less attractive.
3. Seal Entry Points with Caulk
Silverfish enter homes through cracks in walls, gaps around windows, and other small openings.
Inspect your home’s exterior and interior, paying close attention to baseboards, walls, and crevices. Use caulk to seal these entry points, preventing new ones from getting inside.
4. Use Diatomaceous Earth to Kill Silverfish
Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that damages the exoskeleton of silverfish, causing them to dehydrate and die.
Sprinkle a thin layer in areas where you've seen silverfish, such as behind bookshelves, in crawlspaces, and along baseboards. Be sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth, which is safe for people and pets when used correctly.
6. Set Silverfish Traps
Silverfish traps, including sticky traps and glass jars, can help capture these pests. Place sticky traps near their hiding places, like closets, bookcases, and cardboard boxes.
To create a DIY trap, wrap a glass jar with masking tape, then place a piece of bread inside. These pests can climb the tape but can't escape the smooth glass.
7. Apply Boric Acid in Hard-to-Reach Areas
Boric acid is another effective way to kill silverfish.
Lightly dust it behind appliances, in attic spaces, and around baseboards. Keep in mind that boric acid should be used cautiously and kept away from children and pets.
For a safer alternative, consider using borax, which is less toxic but still effective.
8. Repel with Essential Oils and Bay Leaves
Certain essential oils, like lavender, peppermint, and cedar oil, act as natural repellents. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spritz areas where silverfish may hide.
Additionally, placing bay leaves in closets and pantries can deter these pests due to their strong scent.
9. Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free
A cluttered home provides more hiding places for silverfish.
Reduce clutter, especially piles of paper and cardboard boxes. Vacuum regularly, paying special attention to crevices, baseboards, and behind furniture.
Maintaining a clean home makes it harder for silverfish to find food and shelter.
10. Monitor for Silverfish Eggs
Silverfish reproduce quickly, so addressing silverfish eggs is essential for long-term control. These eggs are small, white, and typically found in dark, hidden areas.
Regularly check storage areas, basements, and laundry rooms. Vacuum thoroughly and dispose of vacuum bags immediately to remove them.
When to Call a Professional Pest Control
If you've tried these DIY methods without success, it might be time to contact a professional silverfish control.
At Native Pest Management, we offer pest control services designed to eliminate silverfish and other household pests like cockroaches, bed bugs, and firebrats. Our trained exterminators will identify the source of your silverfish infestation and implement customized treatments to ensure long-lasting results.
And if the problem persists, don't hesitate to contact us now to handle the job for you.