Sasha CampbellYou’ve probably seen them before. Silverfish are pests you’ll find in many homes and libraries worldwide [1].
They are small, wingless insects that thrive in damp environments such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and attics. While harmless to humans, they can damage books, wallpaper, clothing, and stored food products.
Many people are unsure of how to get rid of them. Fortunately, several natural remedies can help get rid of silverfish and prevent future infestations.
Quick Answer: The fastest way to control silverfish is to lower humidity levels. Also, seal any cracks in walls or floors, remove food sources, and set up traps or use diatomaceous earth.
What Are Silverfish?
Silverfish are small, wingless insects with a silvery-gray color and a fish-like shape. They move in a wriggling motion.
They are nocturnal pests, meaning they are most active at night and tend to hide during the day in dark, damp places [2].
Silverfish do not bite, sting, or spread diseases. However, they can be a nuisance in the home. They feed on various materials, including paper, glue, fabrics, and stored food products.
You may find them in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, attics, and other warm, humid places.
What Causes Silverfish?
Silverfish are mainly attracted to damp, dark, and humid environments. High moisture levels are one of the biggest factors that encourage them to settle in a home.
Leaky pipes, poor ventilation, and water damage can all create the perfect breeding conditions.
They are also drawn to cluttered spaces where they can hide easily. So you might see them in areas with cardboard boxes, old newspapers, books, and stored fabrics.
Food sources such as flour, cereal, pet food, and even wallpaper glue can also attract them.
In short, a combination of moisture, shelter, and available food is what usually causes a silverfish problem.
Signs of a Silverfish Infestation
One of the most common signs of a silverfish infestation is spotting the insects themselves.
They usually come out at night while feeding. However, other clues can indicate their presence.
You may notice small yellowish stains or irregular holes in books, wallpaper, clothing, or cardboard boxes. Shed silverfish skins can also be found in hidden areas.
Tiny black specs (droppings) that resemble black pepper grains may appear near their hiding spots. A musty smell in damp storage areas can sometimes indicate an infestation.
What Do Silverfish Eat?
Silverfish will feed on a wide range of starchy and carbohydrate-rich materials. Their diet commonly includes paper, book bindings, wallpaper glue, cardboard, and fabric.
In addition to household items, they also feed on food products such as flour, cereals, pasta, oats, and even pet food. They may also consume dead insects and organic debris.
How to Get Rid of Silverfish Naturally
Below are some home remedies and natural solutions that you can try. These silverfish control methods can help eliminate a home infestation naturally.
1. DIY Silverfish Trap
You can make your DIY silverfish trap with just a few simple items. You’ll need a glass jar, some starchy food, and tape.
In a glass jar, place some starchy foods, such as flour, dried cereals, or pet food.
Next, wrap the jar in tape. This will allow them to climb into the jar. However, they won’t be able to get out because their feet won’t stick to the glass.
2. Moist Rolled-Up Newspaper
Dampen an old newspaper and roll it up. Silverfish will crawl into the damp rolled-up newspaper and make it their hiding place.
Now check it after a few days. To exterminate any silverfish that have found their way in, seal the newspaper in a plastic bag before disposing of it.
3. Sticky Traps
Using sticky traps is an old-fashioned way of eliminating many insect pests. All you need to do is set up sticky traps around where you think the silverfish are hiding.
Using petroleum jelly on cardboard or an index card, you can also make a homemade sticky trap. Next, place it where they might crawl.
Silverfish will run across the traps and get stuck on them.
4. Eliminate Food Sources
If you want to prevent these critters from coming around, one of the best things you can do is to starve them.
Since silverfish love munching on starchy foods and dried goods, storing away cereals and flour is essential.
They also like to eat glue, fabrics, pet food, and wallpaper, so store them away and declutter as much as possible.
5. Eliminate Humidity
Humidity creates the perfect environment for silverfish to thrive and lay their eggs. That’s why controlling moisture and humidity levels in your home should be a priority if you want to get rid of these pests.
Start by ensuring your home is properly ventilated. Open windows and doors regularly to allow airflow.
You could also invest in a dehumidifier to help remove excess moisture from the air. This is especially needed for high-humidity areas like kitchens, basements, or bathrooms.
If you have an attic, check for any leaks or water damage and fix them immediately. Check all pipes, hoses, and other sources of moisture, and ensure they are properly sealed.
Finally, reduce clutter in your home, as it can often trap moisture, providing a perfect breeding ground for silverfish.
6. Seal Cracks
Another crucial step in getting rid of silverfish is to seal your home so they cannot get in.
That means checking for cracks or gaps around windows and doors, and if you find any, caulking or using sealants to fill them.
You can also install door sweeps at the base of every exterior door and use weatherstripping around windows.
It’s also vital to check places like basements, attics, and crawl spaces, as these are likely entry points for these critters.
7. Cucumber Peels
Some homeowners report that cucumber peels help deter silverfish. However, scientific evidence supporting this remedy is limited.
You can place fresh cucumber peels in areas where silverfish are active and see if it helps reduce activity.
8. Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood essential oil repels silverfish.
When used properly, cedarwood oil is generally considered safer than many conventional insecticides. However, essential oils should still be used carefully around pets and children.
To repel silverfish with cedarwood oil, mix 10 drops with 4 ounces of water and spray. Typically, you’ll want to mist the areas where the pests may hide.
You can also soak cotton balls in cedar oil near potential hiding spots.
Remember that cedar oil is a repellent, not an exterminator. Therefore, it won’t kill silverfish but will help keep them away.
Try setting up multiple cedar oil traps around your home and replacing them every few weeks for the best results.
9. Cloves
Cloves contain a component called eugenol, which deters silverfish.
To use this remedy, place whole cloves where pests are found. This should help repel them.
10. Salt
Spread a thin layer of salt over the areas where you’ve seen silverfish or where they are likely to hang out.
Salt may slightly reduce surface moisture, but it isn’t a dependable way to control silverfish infestations. Long-term humidity reduction is far more effective.
11. Borax
Borax is an effective silverfish killer. All you have to do is sprinkle some in the areas where silverfish activity has been noticed.
Silverfish that crawl through borax are affected by its abrasive properties. These properties can damage their outer layer, which can contribute to dehydration and eventual death.
For consistent use, sprinkle a light dusting of borax in cracks, crevices, and other areas where silverfish travel.
In addition to eliminating silverfish, borax may also kill other household pests, such as cockroaches and ants.
12. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another natural silverfish repellent. Silverfish don’t like the smell of cinnamon, so you can use it to drive them away.
To use cinnamon as a repellent, sprinkle the powder in any area of the house where silverfish may be present. You can also place some cinnamon sticks in the affected areas.
13. Eliminate Clutter in Home
Silverfish will feed on paper, cardboard, book bindings, and glue. To prevent these critters from lingering in your home, reduce clutter.
Keep bookshelves tidy and organized, and ensure the books are tightly closed.
You should also look for other materials, such as cereal boxes, old clothes, and newspapers, that may have collected dust over the years. These items should be thrown away to prevent them from providing additional hiding spots for silverfish.
14. Citrus Peel
Citrus peels are an excellent natural repellent for these creepy crawlies, as they dislike the smell.
Just place some orange or lemon peels in areas you think silverfish are likely to visit, like drawers, bookshelves, and other storage areas. Replace the peels regularly.
15. Remove Clutter from Around the Outside of the House
Silverfish thrive in dark, damp places during the day. This means that any clutter or debris around the outside of your house is a perfect habitat for these pests.
So take action and clean up any mess, such as leaves and twigs. Doing so will help keep silverfish out and make your house look better!
16. Seal Dry Food in Airtight Containers
Limiting their access to food is another effective way to keep silverfish at bay.
The critters love to munch on dry goods like cereal, pasta, and rolled oats, and they will take advantage of any small openings to reach them.
So, keeping dry food sealed away will eliminate most silverfish food sources.
17. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Sprinkle the DE powder at entry points, such as cracks, crevices, and other areas where silverfish are active.
Diatomaceous earth destroys pests’ exoskeletons, causing them to dry out and die. In addition, you can also use it as a barrier around areas where you might find silverfish crawling around.
18. Improve Ventilation
Proper ventilation helps reduce moisture levels that attract silverfish.
Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens. You can also open windows when weather permits to improve airflow.
Keeping humidity low is key to preventing silverfish from returning.
19. Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming is one of the simplest ways to reduce silverfish populations.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove silverfish, eggs, and shed skins. You can also use it to remove food sources from cracks, baseboards, closets, bookshelves, and other hiding places.
Dispose of the vacuum contents promptly to prevent any surviving pests from escaping.
20. Essential Oils
This is another effective way to repel silverfish. To make a silverfish-repellent spray, use essential oils such as cinnamon, peppermint, lavender, clove, or citronella.
Mix 15 to 20 drops of your chosen oil into a cup of water. Spray this homemade silverfish spray in the potential hiding spots.
You can also spray it in areas where silverfish may be entering your home. The smell will deter them.
21. Use Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are commonly used as a natural silverfish repellent because of their strong scent. While they won’t kill silverfish, they may help discourage them from hiding in certain areas.
To use this remedy, place whole dried bay leaves in drawers. You can also put them in closets, bookshelves, and pantries. These are common spots for silverfish.
You can also crush the leaves slightly to release more of their aroma. Replace them every few weeks as the scent fades.
22. Wash Clothes in Hot Water
Washing and drying clothes at high temperatures can kill silverfish and silverfish eggs. Just ensure it is safe to wash the material type in hot water.
How to Prevent Silverfish
- Reduce humidity.
- Fix leaks.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Vacuum regularly.
- Seal cracks.
- Reduce clutter.
FAQ
Are silverfish harmful to humans?
No, silverfish do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases. However, they can damage household items.
Where do silverfish usually hide?
Silverfish typically hide in dark, damp areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. You may also find them in attics, behind baseboards, and inside storage boxes.
Does vinegar kill silverfish?
Vinegar is commonly used as a household cleaner and may help remove food residues that attract pests. However, there is limited evidence that it effectively repels silverfish on its own.
How do you get rid of silverfish quickly?
To quickly reduce silverfish populations, consider these effective methods:
- Reduce humidity in your home.
- Use traps to catch them.
- Apply diatomaceous earth in infested areas.
- Eliminate food sources that attract them.
Does baking soda kill silverfish?
Baking soda is sometimes suggested as a home remedy for silverfish. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness.
What smells do silverfish hate?
Silverfish dislike strong scents such as cinnamon, cedarwood, citrus, lavender, and clove.
How long do silverfish live?
Silverfish can live for several years. Some species can survive for 2 to 8 years under favorable conditions.
Can silverfish survive without food?
Yes, silverfish can survive for long periods without food, especially in humid environments. This makes them difficult to eliminate once established.
Takeaway
If you have a silverfish problem, it’s essential to identify where they’re coming from so you can seal off their entry points.
Plenty of natural solutions exist to eliminate them if they are already present. Try a few of these methods and see which ones work best.
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