Silverfish are among the most unwelcome visitors in our homes. While they may not bite or transmit diseases, their presence can be disturbing. These nocturnal insects thrive in cold, damp environments like bathrooms and basements, where they can go unnoticed, but leave behind telltale signs like tiny holes in clothing, food packaging, or wallpaper.
If you’ve recently encountered a silverfish or suspect an infestation, this detailed guide provides 20 effective ways to eliminate and prevent silverfish, using both natural remedies and chemical treatments.
What Are Silverfish?
Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are small, wingless insects known for their silvery-gray appearance and fish-like movements. Their primary food sources are carbohydrates, which they obtain from starches, sugars, glue, and paper. Silverfish are most active at night, and they often congregate in areas with high humidity.
Signs You Have a Silverfish Infestation
The following signs may indicate that silverfish have made your home their own:
- Small holes in clothing
- Yellow stains on fabrics
- Holes in wallpaper, cardboard, or books
- Signs of nibbling on dry foods like cereals
- Skin casts or exoskeletons left behind in damp areas
If you see these signs, it’s essential to take action to prevent further damage and eliminate the pests.
Effective Ways to Get Rid of Silverfish
1. Trap the Silverfish in a Mason Jar
One of the simplest and most effective ways to trap silverfish is by using a Mason jar. The jar’s smooth surface makes it difficult for the insects to escape. To set up the trap, wrap the outside of the jar with masking tape and place a small piece of bread at the bottom as bait. Place the jar in areas where you’ve spotted silverfish. They’ll climb in for the food but won’t be able to get back out.
2. Trap Silverfish with Newspaper
Silverfish are attracted to starches found in paper. To make a trap, roll up a newspaper, secure it with rubber bands, and moisten it. Place it in areas where silverfish are known to hide, such as behind appliances or in closets. In the morning, discard the newspaper, which will likely contain trapped silverfish that have fed on the paper overnight.
3. Use Store-Bought Traps
If you prefer a ready-made solution, silverfish traps are available at most home improvement or pest control stores. These traps work in a similar way to gnat traps, using sticky surfaces to capture silverfish. You can bait them with starchy foods like bread or oats for better results.
4. Use Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural substance made from fossilized algae that contains sharp particles. When silverfish come into contact with DE, it punctures their exoskeleton, causing them to dry out and die. Lightly sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in areas where silverfish are active, such as along baseboards or in cabinets. It’s safe to use around pets and children, making it a great natural option for pest control.
5. Use Boric Acid
Boric acid is another effective way to kill silverfish. Sprinkle it in cracks, crevices, and other hiding spots where silverfish are active. Boric acid can be toxic if inhaled, so use it cautiously and avoid application in areas where children or pets play.
6. Apply Pyrethrin-Based Spray
Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers. It kills silverfish on contact by disrupting their nervous systems. While pyrethrin is less toxic to humans and pets compared to other chemicals, it’s still important to apply it carefully, avoiding areas where food is stored.
7. Use Propoxur
Propoxur is a powerful insecticide that can kill silverfish quickly. However, it is toxic, so it should be used cautiously, especially in homes with young children or pets. It may also require multiple applications to address an infestation fully, as it doesn’t kill silverfish eggs.
8. Baking Soda for Silverfish Control
Baking soda is a non-toxic and inexpensive method to kill silverfish. Make a paste by mixing one cup of baking soda with water and a tablespoon of honey. Apply this paste to small pieces of cardboard and place them where silverfish are hiding. When the insects consume the paste, the baking soda will dehydrate them, leading to death.
9. Cedar Shavings or Oil
Silverfish despise the smell of cedarwood, making it an excellent repellent. You can place cedar shavings in areas where you’ve spotted silverfish, such as the attic, basement, or under the bathroom sink. Alternatively, you can use cedar oil diluted in water and spray it in areas where silverfish hide.
10. Use Strong-Smelling Spices
Spices like clove, cinnamon, rosemary, and bay leaves have a strong scent that silverfish find unpleasant. Create small sachets or place the spices directly in areas like cupboards, closets, and pantries to keep silverfish at bay.
11. Lavender or Citrus Essential Oils
Silverfish also detest the smell of lavender and citrus. To create a repellent spray, mix several drops of lavender or citrus essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Use the mixture to spray areas where silverfish are common, like in drawers, closets, or bathrooms.
12. Reduce Humidity
Silverfish thrive in humid environments. Using a dehumidifier or keeping fans running can significantly reduce humidity levels in your home, making it less hospitable to silverfish. If you don’t have a dehumidifier, simply running the air conditioner can also help.
13. Seal Food in Airtight Containers
Since silverfish feed on dry goods like cereals, pasta, and grains, it’s important to store these foods in airtight containers. This will prevent silverfish from feasting on your food and help keep your pantry free of pests.
14. Seal Cracks and Crevices
Silverfish can enter your home through small cracks in doors, windows, and walls. Inspect your home for gaps and seal them with caulk to prevent silverfish from finding their way in. Pay special attention to areas around baseboards, pipes, and other entry points.
15. Fix Leaky Pipes
Silverfish are drawn to damp areas, so fixing any leaky pipes in your home is essential. Repairing leaks will reduce moisture and discourage silverfish from settling in your home.
16. Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free
Silverfish often hide in cluttered areas, where they can feast on old papers, books, and cardboard. To keep your home free from silverfish, clean up clutter, vacuum regularly, and organize your belongings. Consider storing important papers and books in airtight containers to protect them.
17. Vacuum Regularly
Regular vacuuming can help remove silverfish eggs and prevent further infestations. Vacuuming also eliminates food sources that silverfish are attracted to, such as crumbs and dust. Make it a habit to vacuum your home weekly, especially in areas where silverfish are most likely to hide.
18. Replace Old Wallpaper
If you have old, peeling wallpaper, it could be a breeding ground for silverfish. Consider replacing it with fresh wallpaper or paint to eliminate potential hiding spots and food sources for silverfish.
19. Remove Dead Skin Cells
Silverfish feed on organic matter, including dead skin cells. Regularly cleaning areas where you shed skin, such as behind furniture and under beds, can help reduce the food source available to silverfish.
20. Use Natural Predators
If you’re open to non-chemical methods, introducing natural predators like centipedes or spiders into your home can help control silverfish populations. These predators will prey on silverfish, helping to keep their numbers in check.
Conclusion
While silverfish can be an unsettling nuisance, there are numerous ways to effectively get rid of them. From natural repellents like cedar and essential oils to more aggressive methods like diatomaceous earth and chemical sprays, you have plenty of options to choose from. By maintaining a clean, dry environment and sealing up cracks and food sources, you can prevent silverfish from re-infesting your home. Whether you prefer natural solutions or more traditional methods, these 20 tips will help you eliminate silverfish and restore peace to your living space.
