Silverfish are among the most unwished-for visitant in our homes . While they may not prick or impart diseases , their presence can be disturbing . These nocturnal insect flourish in moth-eaten , moist environments like bathrooms and basements , where they can go unnoticed , but pass on behind telltale signs like bantam cakehole in wearable , food promotional material , or wallpaper .
If you ’ve recently encounter a silverfish or distrust an plague , this elaborate template provides 20 effective ways to obviate and prevent silverfish , using both raw remedies and chemical substance treatments .
What Are Silverfish?
Silverfish ( Lepisma saccharina ) are small , wingless worm known for their silvern - gray appearance and Pisces the Fishes - like movements . Their primary intellectual nourishment source are carbohydrates , which they obtain from starches , shekels , 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 sign may indicate thatsilverfishhave made your home their own :
If you see these signs , it ’s of the essence to take action mechanism to preclude further legal injury and eliminate the plague .
Effective Ways to Get Rid of Silverfish
1.Trap the Silverfish in a Mason Jar
One of the unsubdivided and most effective ways to trap silverfish is by using a Mason jolt . The jolt ’s still surface attain it difficult for the insects to escape . To do up the trap , wrap up the outside of the jar with masking taping and place a humble piece of music of bread at the bottom as sweetener . Place the jar in domain where you ’ve spotted silverfish . They ’ll climb in for the food but wo n’t be capable to get back out .
2.Trap Silverfish with Newspaper
Silverfish are attracted to starches find in paper . To make a maw , rove up a newspaper publisher , procure it with safety bands , and moisten it . Place it in areas where silverfish are known to hide , such as behind widget or in W.C. . In the morning , discard the paper , which will likely arrest trapped Lepisma saccharina that have fed on the theme overnight .
3.Use Store-Bought Traps
If you prefer a quick - made solution , silverfish trap are useable at most dwelling improvement or pest control memory . These trap work in a interchangeable path to gnat traps , using sticky surfaces to capture silverfish . you may tantalise them with buckram food like bread or oats for good results .
4.Use Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth ( DE ) is a natural inwardness made from fossilized alga that contains acuate particles . When silverfish amount into contact with DE , it punctures their exoskeleton , causing them to dry out and die . Lightly dust food - grade diatomaceous earth in area where silverfish are active , such as along baseboards or in cabinets . It ’s safe to apply around deary and minor , making it a big natural option for cuss control .
5.Use Boric Acid
Boric Zen is another effective way of life to kill silverfish . splosh it in cracks , crack , and other hiding spot where silverfish are participating . boracic loony toons can be toxic if inhaled , so apply it cautiously and avoid program in areas where children or positron emission tomography play .
6.Apply Pyrethrin-Based Spray
Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide deduct from chrysanthemum flowers . It vote down silverfish on contact lens by disrupting their spooky systems . While pyrethrin is less toxic to homo and pets compared to other chemicals , it ’s still of import to apply it cautiously , avoiding areas where intellectual nourishment is stored .
7.Use Propoxur
Propoxur is a herculean insecticide that can kill silverfish quickly . However , it is toxic , so it should be used cautiously , especially in home base with young children or pets . It may also expect multiple applications to handle an plague amply , as it does n’t bolt down silverfish eggs .
8.Baking Soda for Silverfish Control
Baking soda is a non - toxic and cheap method acting to defeat silverfish . Make a paste by mixing one loving cup of baking soda with water and a tablespoon of honey . Apply this paste to small pieces of cardboard and put them where silverfish are hide . When the insects down the paste , the baking soda will dehydrate them , lead to death .
9.Cedar Shavings or Oil
Silverfish despise the smell of cedarwood , spend a penny it anexcellent repellent . you may post cedar shavings in area where you ’ve blemish silverfish , such as the attic , basement , or under the privy sink . or else , you’re able to use cedar tree oil thin in water and spray it in orbit where silverfish pelt .
10.Use Strong-Smelling Spices
spice like clove , cinnamon , rosemary , and true laurel leaves have a substantial scent that silverfish find unpleasant . Create lowly sachets or place the spice right away in area like cupboard , closets , and buttery to keep silverfish at alcove .
11.Lavender or Citrus Essential Oils
Silverfish also hate the odor of lavender and citrus fruit . To make a repellant spray , mingle several drops of lavender or citrus all-important oil with water in a atomizer bottle . utilize the mixture to spray areas where silverfish are coarse , like in drawers , closets , or toilet .
12.Reduce Humidity
Silverfish thrive in humid environments . Using a dehumidifier or observe fans run can significantly reduce humidness levels in your home , prepare it less hospitable to silverfish . If you do n’t have a dehumidifier , simply running the line conditioner can also help .
13.Seal Food in Airtight Containers
Since silverfish feed on dry trade good like cereals , pasta , and grains , it ’s important to store these foods in airtight containers . This will forbid silverfish from feasting on your nutrient and aid keep your larder free of pest .
14.Seal Cracks and Crevices
Silverfish can enter your rest home through humble cracks in doors , window , and walls . audit your home for gaps and varnish them with caulking to forbid silverfish from finding their way in . yield special attending to areas around baseboards , pipes , and other entry points .
15.Fix Leaky Pipes
Silverfish are drawn to damp areas , so ready any leaky pipes in your household is essential . Repairing escape will reduce wet and monish silverfish from go under in your home .
16.Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free
Silverfish often hide in cluttered areas , where they can feed on old papers , ledger , and cardboard . To keep your habitation detached from silverfish , clean up mare’s nest , vacuum-clean regularly , and organize your belonging . Consider hive away of import papers and leger in airtight containers to protect them .
17.Vacuum Regularly
Regular vacuuming can aid remove silverfish eggs and prevent further infestation . Vacuuming also reject food seed that silverfish are attracted to , such as crumbs and dust . Make it a riding habit to hoover your home weekly , specially in areas where silverfish are most potential to hide .
18.Replace Old Wallpaper
If you have one-time , peeling wallpaper , it could be a genteelness priming for silverfish . deal substitute it with bracing wallpaper or paint to carry off possible concealment spots and food author for Lepisma saccharina .
19.Remove Dead Skin Cells
Silverfish provender 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 uncommitted to silverfish .
20.Use Natural Predators
If you ’re subject to non - chemical methods , introducing born marauder like centipedes or spiders into your home can help control silverfish populations . These predators will feed on silverfish , helping to keep their issue in check .
Conclusion
While silverfish can be an unsettling pain , there are legion ways to effectively get rid of them . From natural repellant like cedar and essential oil to more aggressive method like diatomaceous earth and chemical substance sprays , you have plenty of options to choose from . By maintaining a clean , teetotal environment and sealing up cracks and solid food generator , you’re able to foreclose silverfish from re - infest your house . Whether you prefer natural solutions or more traditional methods , these 20 tips will avail you eliminate silverfish and touch on peace to your living space .
