You must have often seen silverfish in the dark and damp corners of your home. They are creepy creatures though they are not harmful to us and our pets. Silverfish eat starch and feed on everything that contains starch such as books and clothes. They take time to establish infestation, but once they are inside nothing can stop them and it can be difficult to control them. We are glad that there are measures to get rid of these silvery insects.
Tips to Remove Silverfish from Your Home
Silverfish are nocturnal pests and invade our homes in search of food and shelter. They feel safe from predators and live without fear in dark and damp areas of our house. Here, I have some prevention and control methods that will help you get rid of silverfish with silverfish control. Read on to learn about them.
Keep Your Home Clean
Keep your home clean, especially the kitchen cabinets, drawers, counters, and floors. Wipe down bookshelves, closets, shelves, doors, and window frames. Vacuum regularly particularly behind the appliances as silverfish tend to hide there. Use bins that have tight lids on them and clean the garbage bins frequently. Organize your living space and remove the clutter.
Reduce the Moisture
Silverfish thrive well in humid areas. Repair water issues like clogged drains, leaky pipes, and faucets quickly. Make sure that your bathtub, shower, sink and laundry rooms are clean and dry. Use a dehumidifier if you are living in a humid environment. Fix seepage on walls and ceilings. Do not allow stagnant water in and around your house.
Fill Cracks and Crevices
Inspect your home thoroughly to find any holes, gaps, cracks, or crevices on walls and doors. Seal them quickly as silverfish can enter your home through small holes and gaps. Use weatherstrippings below doors to prevent their entry. Also, repair any holes or gaps in window and door screens.
Use Sticky Traps
Purchase a few sticky traps that are easily available in the market. Place them in areas where you suspect silverfish are hiding in your house. Check after a few days and discard sticky traps that have silverfish stuck on them. It is a non-toxic and easy method to get rid of silverfish in your house.
Apply Diatomaceous Earth
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in areas where you have seen silverfish activity. It is better to use this method in the night as silverfish are nocturnal pests. When silverfish crawl on DE, it will damage their exoskeleton and they will die of dehydration. Repeat the process for a few days to eliminate silverfish from your house.
Use Essential Oils
Some ingredients in your kitchen are effective for repelling silverfish. Just like other pests, silverfish also do not stand the smell of lemon and lavender. Take a few drops of any of these oils and mix them with a cup of water. Store in a bottle and spray in areas where silverfish are more likely to hide. You can spray them behind the shelves, below the sink, in cupboards, and edges of rooms. This method is non-toxic and safe to use. Spray consistently for a few days to remove silverfish from your house.
Spread Boric Acid
Unlike cockroaches, you can also use boric acid to remove silverfish. It kills both the silverfish and their eggs. Spread it in the night throughout the areas where silverfish are hiding. Vacuum the area in the morning. Repeat the process for some days until they are gone. Wear a mask while using this method as boric acid is harmful when ingested. Keep your pets and children away from it.
Roll Up News Papers
Roll some newspapers and tie an elastic band on their corners to hold them in shape. Moist them under the running tap. Do not fully wet them. Place them around your home where silverfish are hiding. Do that in the night before going to sleep. The moisture, food source, and shelter will attract silverfish and they will get trapped inside. In the morning, remove all your traps and through them far away from your house in the garbage bins. You can also burn them. Do not open the roll of the newspapers as silverfish will escape.
Use Spice Sachets
Silverfish also do not like the smell of some spices like cinnamon and cloves. You can keep a few packets of these spices in your cupboards, bookshelves, drawers, and cabinets. It will not only repel silverfish but will also make your cupboards smell nice.
Spread Epsom Salt
Mix some Epsom salt with water and spray in cracks, crevices, and on bookshelves, cabinets, and other corners of the house. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some Epsom salt on your wardrobe, bathroom cabinets, and in other areas where silverfish are congregated. Use this method once every evening until you get rid of silverfish.
Over to You
Follow the tips and measures mentioned in this article to eliminate silverfish from your house. Say goodbye to these unwanted guests and restore peace in your home. If you are not able to remove them from your home, seek professional assistance and hire a pest control services in Patna that will efficiently remove silverfish from your home.
