How to Get Rid of Silverfish: A Complete Guide for a Pest-Free Home

October 23 2024, by Angelina Zoldos, 6 min reading time

If you've spotted small, silvery-grey insects scurrying around your home, you may be dealing with a silverfish infestation. These nocturnal pests are commonly found in dark, damp areas like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. While they don’t pose a direct threat to your health, many people wonder, "do silverfish bite?" The answer is no, silverfish bite isn’t a concern, but their presence can still cause significant damage to your books, clothes, and paper products. If left unchecked, a silverfish infestation can grow rapidly, making getting rid of silverfish a priority.

Here, we’ll offer you top tips on how to get rid of silverfish effectively. Whether you're looking for natural silverfish repellent solutions or considering silverfish extermination, these tips will help you take control of the situation.

1. Eliminate moisture sources

What are silverfish most attracted to? The answer is damp, dark and cool place. Silverfish thrive in humid environments, so the first step in controlling an infestation is to reduce dampness in your home.

Fix any leaky pipes or taps, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
Use dehumidifiers in high-moisture areas such as basements, laundry rooms, or bathrooms.
Ensure proper ventilation throughout your home, particularly in rooms where water is frequently used.
Avoid leaving standing water in sinks or bathtubs, and keep windows closed during humid weather. You can also install window screens and use a fan to circulate air and reduce moisture indoors.

2. Declutter and clean regularly

Silverfish love cluttered, undisturbed spaces where they can hide and lay silverfish eggs. These eggs are tiny, white, and oval-shaped, generally about 0.8-1mm long, making them difficult to spot. You’ll commonly find them in dark, hidden areas like behind furniture, in cracks, or among paper stacks and clothing. Regular cleaning and organisation can significantly reduce the chances of an infestation.

Regularly vacuum areas like basements, attics, and under furniture where silverfish might hide, paying special attention to dark corners and crevices.
Declutter storage spaces, especially those containing paper, cardboard, or fabric, which are common food sources for silverfish.
Store items like books, papers, and clothing in sealed containers rather than cardboard boxes, as silverfish can easily chew through these materials and use them as nesting sites for their eggs.

3. Seal gaps and cracks

Silverfish can enter your home through small cracks and crevices, so sealing these entry points is crucial for getting rid of silverfish and preventing them from coming back.

Use caulk or sealant to close gaps around windows, doors, baseboards, and electrical outlets.
Inspect your walls and floors for any cracks or holes and repair them to prevent silverfish from entering.
Consider installing weather stripping around doors and windows to further protect your home from pests.

4. Use essential oils as natural silverfish repellent

If you’re looking for a natural way to repel silverfish, essential oils can act as an effective silverfish repellent.

Essential oils like lavender, cedarwood, and clove are particularly effective at deterring silverfish. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water and spray it in areas where silverfish are commonly found, such as closets, under sinks, and in basements. You can also soak cotton balls in essential oils and place them in drawers or storage areas. This will keep silverfish away while leaving a pleasant scent in your home.

For an extra layer of protection, consider spraying your mattresses, bedding, and even clothing with Euclove Linen & Bedding Spray. This spray contains neem oil, Blue Gum Eucalyptus essential oil, lavender essential oil, and Vetiver oil, all of which naturally repel silverfish. The pleasant aroma not only helps keep silverfish at bay but also leaves your fabrics smelling fresh.

5. Store food in airtight containers

Silverfish are known to feed on starchy foods, so proper food storage is essential for preventing a silverfish infestation in your kitchen.

Store dry food like flour, sugar, and cereal in airtight containers to keep silverfish from accessing it.
Regularly clean pantry shelves to remove any crumbs or spills that may attract silverfish.
Inspect your food storage for signs of silverfish or silverfish eggs, and discard any contaminated food.

6. Use silverfish traps

A silverfish trap can help reduce the population of silverfish in your home. These traps lure silverfish using bait, and once they enter, they get stuck on a sticky surface.

Place silverfish traps in areas where you've seen silverfish activity, such as under sinks, in basements, or near bookshelves.
For a DIY solution, roll up a damp newspaper and leave it out overnight. In the morning, throw the newspaper away with any trapped silverfish inside.

Commercial silverfish bait traps are also available like the Super Ninja Silverfish Traps, containing protein that attracts silverfish and traps them when they come into contact with the sticky surface.

7. Apply diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic powder that can kill silverfish by dehydrating them. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in areas where silverfish are commonly found, such as along baseboards, behind appliances, and in basements. Be cautious when using this powder around children and pets, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Diatomaceous earth is effective because it penetrates the silverfish's exoskeleton, causing it to dehydrate and die.

8. Clean and organise paper and clothing

Silverfish feed on materials like paper, fabric, and starches, so keeping these items clean and organised is an important part of how to get rid of silverfish.

Store important papers in sealed plastic bins or containers to prevent silverfish from chewing on them.
Avoid leaving piles of newspapers, books, or magazines in humid areas of your home.
Regularly clean out closets and drawers, and wash clothing to remove any silverfish eggs or larvae that may be hiding in the fabric.

Conclusion

Getting rid of silverfish requires a combination of cleaning, sealing, and using natural or commercial silverfish repellent solutions. By following these tips, you can successfully reduce the risk of a silverfish infestation and keep your home free from these pests. If the problem persists or worsens, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for silverfish extermination. Professional pest control services can offer long-lasting treatments to eliminate silverfish from your home. They can also assess your home for underlying issues that may be attracting silverfish, such as hidden leaks or moisture problems.