Silverfish are a common household pest that damages books, papers, cardboard, photos, and other items in your home. While they don’t bite or spread disease, getting rid of silverfish is important to protect your belongings. This guide provides tips for controlling silverfish with less-toxic methods.
What Are Silverfish?
Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are small, wingless insects that get their name from their silvery, fish-like appearance and rapid movements. They measure about 1/2-inch to 1-inch long when grown and have long antennae and three tail-like appendages.
Silverfish thrive in warm, humid environments and feed on starchy foods like paper, glue, carpet fibers, and starches in clothing. They come out at night to search for food and moisture. An infestation may indicate you need to address leak or condensation issues.
Signs of a Silverfish Infestation
Working as a pest control technician for one of the country’s largest national pest control companies, I learned the tell-tale signs of pests.
Key indicators that you have a silverfish infestation include:
- Small, teardrop-shaped brown or yellow stains (from their excrement)
- Damage to paper materials, including small holes or notches on books, documents, wallpaper, photos, and cardboard
- Sightings, especially at night, in basements, attics, bathrooms, kitchens, and offices
How to Get Rid of Silverfish Naturally
You can control silverfish without powerful household insecticides. So, if you prefer the green approach/DIY pest control tactics, try fixing moisture issues and using desiccant dusts, pheromone traps, and essential oils before you turn to pesticides or professional help.
Desiccant dusts like diatomaceous earth (DE) and boric acid kill silverfish by absorbing the outer layer of their exoskeleton, causing dehydration and death. Apply a fine layer of dust along baseboards, in cracks and crevices, under appliances, and anywhere you see signs of activity. Reapply after vacuuming.
Boric acid is low in toxicity compared to other chemical pesticides. Here are our top five picks for the best food-grade diatomaceous earth products ready for online purchase. You must keep diatomaceous earth dry for it to work. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling the fine particles.
Pheromone traps contain synthetic silverfish pheromones to lure them inside. Once inside, the silverfish get stuck on a glue board and die. Place traps along baseboards, under appliances, and anywhere silverfish may hide.
Some essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and cinnamon repel silverfish. Mix a few drops into a spray bottle of water and spray baseboards, window sills, and anywhere you see signs of activity. Be sure to test on a small area first to check for staining.
Since silverfish need humidity to thrive, fixing leaks or moisture issues can help reduce the population. Look for condensation on windows, leaky roofs or pipes, and damp basements or crawl spaces. Dehumidifiers can help maintain moisture below 50%.
Clutter provides lots of hiding spots for silverfish. Remove unneeded paper items, cardboard boxes, and other clutter to eliminate harborage areas. Store what you keep in airtight plastic bins. Vacuum thoroughly to remove eggs and debris.
Sealing cracks around baseboards, cabinets, pipes, and other openings eliminates access to voids where silverfish hide. Apply caulk and use copper mesh, steel wool, or insect screens to seal large gaps. This helps block entry from other areas of the home or exterior. Further, consider caulking cracks and crevices in your home’s concrete foundation and outside of your home.
When to Call a Pest Control Company
If you still see silverfish after trying natural remedies, seek help from a professional pest control company. They have access to stronger pesticides and can use targeted application methods to reach silverfish in wall voids and other inaccessible areas.
Treatment from the best pest control companies costs $100 to $200 on average and includes an inspection to identify entry points and harborages. Look for a company that uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles to reduce chemical use as much as possible.
Preventing Future Silverfish Infestations
Here are more tips I picked up during my years as a pest control guy. To make your home less attractive to silverfish after treatment, try the following:
- Install dehumidifiers or hygrometers to monitor humidity levels below 50%.
- Fix plumbing leaks and address condensation or damp areas.
- Seal cracks, crevices, and openings with caulk or sealants.
- Store paper items and documents in airtight plastic bins.
- Frequently vacuum and clean to eliminate food sources and hiding places.
- Keep attics, basements, and crawl spaces well-ventilated.
FAQs About How to Control Silverfish in Your Home
What are silverfish, and why are they a problem in homes?
Silverfish are small, wingless insects that feed on starchy materials, paper, and fabrics. They can damage books, clothing, and other items in your home.
How can I prevent silverfish from entering my home?
Seal cracks and crevices in your walls and foundation, reduce humidity levels, and store food items in airtight containers to deter silverfish. Roach Ridd and Dekko Silverfish Paks are examples of products made with boric acid that work well at preventing silverfish and other pests like fleas and ants.
What are natural remedies for getting rid of silverfish?
Natural remedies for silverfish include diatomaceous earth, cedar shavings, and sachets of dried lavender. These natural options are typically safe for pets and humans.
Are there chemical treatments for silverfish infestations?
You can buy insecticides for silverfish control. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider professional pest control for severe infestations.
How can I protect my clothing and books from silverfish damage?
Store clothing and books in sealed plastic containers or bags. Use cedar or lavender sachets in storage areas to repel silverfish and keep your belongings safe.