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Tricks to eliminate “silverfish” from our homes forever

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Cleaning tips:

  • Vacuum regularly: Make sure to vacuum under furniture, in corners, and behind appliances. Silverfish love to hide in these undisturbed areas.
  • Clear away food scraps: Clean up crumbs or food remnants immediately. Silverfish can feed on crumbs, paper products, and even the glue on book bindings.
  • Store food properly: Keep dry food, cereals, and flour in sealed containers. Make sure paper goods like napkins and tissues are stored in airtight containers as well.
  • Declutter: Silverfish love to hide in cluttered spaces, such as piles of newspapers, books, or cardboard. Reduce clutter wherever possible, especially in attics, basements, and closets.

4. Use Natural Deterrents

If you’ve already dealt with a silverfish infestation or want to proactively prevent one, natural repellents can be very effective. These natural solutions won’t harm you or your pets but will keep silverfish at bay.

Top natural deterrents:

  • Diatomaceous earth: This powdery substance is made from crushed fossils of tiny aquatic organisms and is harmless to humans and pets. When silverfish walk across it, it dehydrates them, causing them to die. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in cracks, crevices, and other areas where silverfish are likely to roam.
  • Cedarwood: Silverfish dislike the smell of cedar, so placing cedar blocks or cedar oil in closets, cabinets, and storage areas can deter them. Cedarwood also has the added benefit of keeping your clothes smelling fresh!
  • Citrus peels: Silverfish tend to stay away from the smell of citrus. Place dried orange or lemon peels around areas where you’ve seen silverfish activity. You can also use citrus-scented essential oils to help repel them.
  • Lavender: Another scent silverfish dislike is lavender. Use dried lavender or lavender essential oil in your closets and other problem areas to keep them away.
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5. Set Traps

In the event that you’re dealing with a larger infestation or want to monitor silverfish activity, traps are a great tool. They can help you determine if silverfish are still present in your home and can help capture them effectively.

How to set traps:

  • Store-bought traps: Many hardware stores sell silverfish traps. These are often sticky traps that attract the pests and capture them when they crawl inside.
  • Homemade traps: You can easily make a simple silverfish trap using a jar. Fill a jar with a small amount of food, such as a piece of bread, and place it in an area where silverfish have been seen. Silverfish will crawl into the jar to get the food but won’t be able to escape.
  • Use tape: Wrap double-sided tape around objects like bookshelves or areas where you’ve seen silverfish activity. They will get stuck to the tape as they try to move across it.

6. Apply Insecticides (If Necessary)

If you have a significant silverfish infestation, you may need to resort to chemical insecticides to eliminate them. While these should be used sparingly and as a last resort, they can be effective for tackling a severe problem.

How to use insecticides safely:

  • Read labels carefully: Make sure any insecticide you use is specifically labeled for silverfish and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Apply in cracks and crevices: Spray directly into cracks, corners, and gaps where silverfish are hiding. Avoid spraying on surfaces where children or pets might come in contact with the chemical.
  • Consider professional help: If you’ve tried everything and the infestation persists, it may be time to call in a professional pest control service. They can assess the situation and provide more targeted treatments.

7. Maintain Your Home’s Exterior

Silverfish don’t just live inside the home – they can also enter from the outside. Keeping your exterior in good shape will help prevent them from making their way indoors.

Outdoor prevention tips:

  • Trim plants and shrubs: Keep plants, bushes, and trees trimmed back from your home. Overgrown greenery can offer a bridge for silverfish to access your house.
  • Clean gutters: Ensure your gutters are clean and free of debris. Damp, clogged gutters create a perfect environment for silverfish to thrive.
  • Repair holes in walls: Check the exterior of your home for any holes or gaps and seal them to prevent silverfish from entering.

Conclusion

Silverfish may be small, but they can cause big problems if left unchecked. By reducing moisture, sealing your home, keeping your space clean, using natural deterrents, and setting traps, you can effectively eliminate silverfish and prevent them from returning. If all else fails, consider seeking professional pest control help to deal with a larger infestation.

With these tricks, you’ll have a silverfish-free home and be able to enjoy a cleaner, more comfortable living space. Keep these tips in mind and say goodbye to those pesky pests for good!

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