Silverfish are common household pests that can be difficult to spot as they dart quickly across floors or walls. They thrive in damp, humid environments, and while they’re harmless to people, they can damage household items. Learn how to get rid of silverfish and get tips on preventing them from coming back.
Professional pest control can help in the longer-term and address the root cause of pest issues. That said, if you want to know how to treat silverfish in the meantime, try these:
Silverfish enjoy wet areas and thrive in damp spaces, so lowering moisture levels is one of the most effective ways to control them. Using a dehumidifier, improving ventilation, or repairing leaks can make areas like bathrooms and basements less attractive. This method works best as a long-term prevention step rather than a quick fix.
You will need to fix any leaking water around sinks, refrigerators or toilets. Any stagnant water can provide potential breeding grounds for silverfish.
Silverfish are sensitive to strong odors, so certain scents can help work as a natural deterrent. Mothballs can be placed in areas where silverfish have been spotted, though it’s worth noting they do not kill the insects; they simply help drive them away.
Silverfish make their way into your pantry for carbohydrate sources, their favorite snack. Seal all of your cereals and grains in plastic containers with airtight lids. While this won’t eliminate silverfish already in your home, it makes your pantry less appealing and helps protect your food.
Regular vacuuming is an effective way to reduce silverfish activity. It removes crumbs, dust, and other potential food sources, while also picking up eggs that may be hidden in carpets, cracks, or baseboards.
Chemicals such as boric acid can be used to help treat silverfish. However, this method has limitations: it requires careful placement, may not reach hidden populations, and can be risky in homes with children or pets.
Because of these drawbacks, boric acid is generally far less effective than professional pest control services, which target the root of the infestation more thoroughly.
Looking for further advice on how to prevent silverfish? We inspect, treat, and help prevent silverfish in your home or business. Schedule a free inspection with one of our experts today.
The best way to keep silverfish out of your home is to eliminate the conditions that attract them. Follow these prevention tips:
By tackling these areas, you’ll make your home less appealing to silverfish and greatly reduce the risk of an infestation.
To ensure that silverfish are eliminated from your home, it is best to contact a pest control professional for a thorough inspection and treatment plan. For more information on how to eliminate silverfish click the button below, or call 800-937-8398.
Silverfish prefer dark, damp areas. Inside homes, they’re often found in basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. They can also hide in closets, attics, or storage boxes where humidity is higher and food sources like paper or fabric are available.
No. Silverfish do not bite, sting, or spread disease, so they are not harmful to people or pets. The biggest concern with silverfish is the damage they can cause to household items such as books, wallpaper, clothing, and stored food.
Silverfish are attracted to moisture, food sources, and shelter. Damp spots, leaky pipes, and high humidity create the right conditions for them. They are also drawn to starchy materials such as paper, glue, and fabric, as well as open food containers in pantries. In some cases, they may also hitchhike inside through cardboard boxes.
Signs of silverfish include spotting the insects themselves, especially at night, or finding feeding damage such as irregular holes in paper, books, or clothing. You may also notice yellowish stains, shed scales, or small pepper-like droppings near areas where they hide.
You can try using sticky traps and natural repellents, such as spices or mothballs, which can discourage silverfish or help monitor their activity. However, natural prevention methods rarely eliminate the problem entirely. For long-term relief, contact a professional pest control provider.
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