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How to Get Rid of Silverfish in Your Home

A close up of a silverfish.
A close up of a silverfish. By AJC ajcann.wordpress.com from UK - Silverfish, Lepisma saccharina, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46247420

Silverfish may be teeny tiny creatures, but they can become a massive nuisance. These critters don’t only feed on food leftovers, they also love snacking on paper and glue. Here are six easily executed tips on how to get rid of them to make sure your home is silverfish free!

#1 Identify and Reduce Moisture Sources

how to get rid of silverfish
By Rene Sylvestersen – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=89409542

Silverfish looove moist areas. Check for leaks in your plumbing, especially in the bathroom and kitchen. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and attics. By reducing moisture, you make your home less inviting to these pests and hopefully they’ll resort to finding a home elsewhere.

#2 Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free

Keeping food in airtight jars is one of the easiest and most effective ways of keeping silverfish at bay.
Keeping food in airtight jars is one of the easiest and most effective ways of keeping silverfish at bay. Image via Unsplash

Another great way to get rid of silverfish is by getting rid of their favorite snacks. They enjoy snacking on various materials, including paper, glue, and food crumbs.

Regularly vacuum and dust your home to remove these food sources. Because old newspapers and magazines don’t look like food to us, it’s easy to forget that they look scrumptious to a silverfish – make sure to declutter and not have them lying around.

#3 Seal Cracks and Crevices

how to get rid of silverfish
By Francisco Welter-Schultes – Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64999797

Silverfish can enter your home through small cracks and crevices. Inspect your home for gaps in walls, floors, and around windows and doors.

By using caulk or other sealants, you can easily close these entry points all by yourself, making it harder for silverfish to get inside. Also, at the same time you’ll be closing the doors for many other unwanted pests!

#4 Use Traps and Natural Repellents

While we adore the smell of lavender, silverfish hate it.
While we adore the smell of lavender, silverfish hate it. Image via Unsplash

Place sticky traps in areas where you’ve seen silverfish to help reduce their numbers. Ironically, the same way their snacks seem inedible to us, they’re deterred by smells we love. Silverfish tend to steer clear of cedar, lavender, or citrus peels, making these great natural repellants. Place these items in closets and other problem areas for the best results.

#5 Apply Chemical Treatments if Necessary

Cracks and crevices are the most common places to find silverfish in your home.
Cracks and crevices are the most common places to find silverfish in your home. Image via Pixabay

If natural methods don’t work, consider using chemical treatments. Follow the instructions carefully and keep children and pets away from treated areas.

If things are getting really out of hand, it may be worth it in the long run to hire a professional pest control service. Although it’s a touch more costly, you’ll be sure that the problem is taken care of.

#6 Regularly Inspect and Maintain

What's just an old news paper to us is a feast for a silverfish.
What’s just an old news paper to us is a feast for a silverfish. Image via Pixabay

Even if you’ve gotten rid of your unwanted silverfish tenants, there’s always a chance that they’ll reappear. Prevent future infestations by regularly inspecting your home for signs of silverfish. Be especially mindful to maintain good hygiene, reduce humidity, and keep potential food sources secure.

How to Get Rid of Silverfish: Conclusion

Silverfish have a tendency to pop up in old jars and containers.
Silverfish have a tendency to pop up in old jars and containers. By JS – https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/175554526, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=121632218

While there are far worse pests to be invaded by, silverfish can be truly annoying. They might seem like a small nuisance, but they can easily get out of hand, so stay ahead of the game and keep them out of your kitchen, cupboard, and bathroom with these easy methods.

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