How to Get Rid of Silverfish

Silverfish are metallic or “silvery” in appearance and run very fast, almost as if they are swimming across a surface, hence the name ‘silverfish’. These critters thrive in high humidity environments such as bathrooms, basements and attics, making moist home a must for silverfish, Silverfish will often feed on wallpaper, books, glue, clothing throughout a home as well as food such as flour or rolled oats. Read below to learn more about these pests, including how to get rid of silverfish in your house.

What Causes Silverfish?

Silverfish often flock to commercial structures such as offices and libraries that have a bountiful supply of paper products for them to feed on, but are also very common in residences. Once they’ve found a solid food source, they’re likely to stick around, especially if the supply is in a particularly damp moist environment such as a basement or an attic. 

How To Get Rid Of Silverfish in Your House:

Getting rid of silverfish in places such as bathrooms, attics, and basements can be difficult. A silverfish can easily go unnoticed in a home, so prevention is key in stopping an infestation before it happens. Some steps to prevent these occasional invaders include:

1. Seal cracks and repair damage in your home – start outside with siding, windows and doors before tending to damage indoors.

2. Reduce moisture – take note of any leaking water pipes and moldy wood as these could lead to silverfish infestations. If there is evidence of moisture buildup, install a dehumidifier.

3. Cut off their food supply – although silverfish can live for a long time without food, keeping paper products such as cardboard, old books and magazines out of damp areas of your home can help to get rid of this pest. Pro tip: swap cardboard storage boxes in the attic or basement for plastic bins with lids that snap shut. Additionally, keeping grains (flour, oats, etc.) in airtight containers can help reduce the chance of silverfish feeding in the kitchen.

4. Temporary relief via vacuum – vacuuming can provide a temporary fix to a silverfish invasion.

If you suspect an infection or need more information on how to get rid of silverfish in your house, it’s best to call a pro to assist you.