How to get rid of silverfish in your home
If you’ve spotted tiny, silver bugs squirming on your bottoms, chances are you have silverfish. If you see these pests, you need to know how to get rid of silverfish in your home to avoid an infestation.
What exactly are silverfish? These nocturnal insects literally get their name from their silver-grey appearance and fish-like movements. They tend to move quickly and will burrow in places where there is moisture or humid conditions. Therefore, you are more likely to find these critters in the bathroom, damp basement, or other damp places in the house. Also, they often hide in dark corners, clutter, or behind furniture where they can lay eggs and reproduce quickly — that’s why knowing how to get rid of silverfish quickly is so important. Although silverfish are generally harmless, they can wreak havoc in the home. Silverfish in particular are capable of destroying books, wallpaper, carpets and clothing with their droppings.
The good news is that there are simple things you can do to get rid of silverfish quickly and prevent them from returning. So if you want to banish these tiny pests forever, here’s how to get rid of silverfish in your home.
1. Reduce humidity
Because silverfish thrive in humid conditions, make sure you reduce humidity in areas indoors. Make sure bathrooms and kitchens are well ventilated by opening windows or using extractor hoods.
Keep moisture away by fixation leaking faucets or pipes, but if you still have persistent installation problems, you may need to call in a professional to troubleshoot the problem. Another good option is to invest in one of the best dehumidifiers to reduce the humidity in a room, or leave the fan on.
2. Seal cracks
Silverfish find their way into homes through cracks and gaps around the home. Seal cracks in the interior or exterior window with a caulk gun.
Additionally, if your house has many cracks or dark crevices, seal them with caulk to prevent silverfish from getting through. Apply caulk in cracks, holes or along baseboards, especially in problem areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
3. Remove all food sources
Like most pests, silverfish prefer areas where there are food sources. Seal and store dry goods like pasta, rice, cereal, flour and other perishables in airtight plastic containers instead of boxes. Also, wipe up any spills or messes on kitchen countertops or floors immediately to prevent silverfish.
4. Get rid of clutter
Silverfish love to hide and feed on piles of old newspapers, magazines, or books, so remove any piles clogging the bottom. In fact, this might be the ideal time to do so Declutter your homeand create more space.
Discard old or unwanted papers or magazines or store them in appropriate storage boxes or place them on bookshelves. The key is to remove any suitable hiding spots for silverfish to lay eggs in.
5. Repel them with cedar oil or spices
Silverfish hate the smell of wood, especially cedar. Scatter cedar shavings or use cedar oil in the areas where they live. Also, strong spices are a good repellent for silverfish. Prepare small sachets of cinnamon, dried cloves, or other strong-smelling spice and stick them on the affected areas.
6. Use lavender or citrus spray
Similar to knowledge how to get rid of mosquitoesBoth citrus and lavender are powerful silverfish repellents. Dilute a few drops of lavender essential oil or citrus oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray liberally on affected areas, including in drawers, closets, crevices, or other areas where silverfish reside.
7. Vacuum and clean regularly
Once you’ve properly stored groceries and decluttered surfaces, make sure you’re vacuuming regularly with one of the best vacuums and clean every room in the house. Silverfish can still survive in your home 8 years, life on paper, dead skin cells and other debris. So make sure you clean regularly to banish these pests.
How do I know if I have silverfish?
Although you rarely see silverfish, there are telltale signs that they are around. Signs include yellow stains on clothing, especially synthetic fabrics, small holes and feces on old paper or book pages.
Dealing with other household pests? Experience how to get rid of fruit flies quickly or how to safely drive away ants with household products. And check out our guide on how to get rid of fleas.