How to Get Rid of Silverfish: Expert Guide & Prevention Tips

Silverfish are a pest in most households across the world. Sometimes they can be in your home, in large numbers, and you don’t know they’re there. In this article, we look at how 

What Are Silverfish Bugs and How to Get Rid of Them 

Lepisma saccharinum, commonly known as Silverfish, is a small, primitive insect species in the Zygentoma order. Their common name is derived from the silvery light colour along with their movement which mimics fish in a stream.

They’re relatively common in many households, attracted there by humidity and the abundance of food from humans. They’re known to eat dust, mould, and other materials left behind from our activities.

The nocturnal insect tends to get 25mm long, with a tapering abdomen and large head.

As a hatchling, they appear white and appear like this after each moult, which they do frequently. 

By Christian Fischer, CC BY-SA 3.0

They develop their trademark colour relatively quickly after each moult.

The insect has two long cerci at the rear of the individual, they could serve many purposes. They also have two long antennae. On their heads, they have two, relatively small compound eyes.

Like some other insects and some reptiles, the silverfish has been known to regenerate lost body parts, often in as little as a month. They’re also known to live in colonies, especially in damp conditions where the maximum lifespan is about three years.

How to Get Rid of Silverfish Bugs in House: Signs of Infestation

To get rid of silverfish, you must spot them first.

Common Areas Where Silverfish Hide

Silverfish can hide in many places around the home. They tend to live in damp areas, such as in 

kitchens and bathrooms, often in the dark corners of cupboards or under surfaces. However, they can also be found in other areas of the home where there is ample food.

One food item they seem to love is the glue found in books. So colonies might be found near bookshelves.

Identifying Silverfish Damage

There is a lot of potential damage left by silverfish, which might include:

• Yellow stains

• Droppings

• Shed skin

• Eggs

• Irregular feeding marks

• Holes in fabric and wallpaper

Tracking Silverfish Movement Patterns

Silverfish tend to move around the home in the dark and at night. Tracking their movement can be hard as they don’t like to come out until after it is dark when there is no one around.

How to Get Rid of Silverfish Bugs Naturally 

There are numerous ways that you can get rid of silverfish, these include:

Natural Repellents and Home Remedies

There are several natural repellents that aren’t tolerated by silverfish. These include using diatomaceous earth, which is a non-toxic powder that dehydrates and kills insects. Use it behind appliances or along baseboards where you might find them.

You can also use cedar oil, which is a natural pest kill that can be mixed with water in a spray bottle. You might also want to disperse dried bay leaves to deter silverfish or use baking soda mixes to kill silverfish.

DIY Silverfish Traps

There are some DIY traps that you might want to try, which include using a soaked newspaper that you throw out each morning. Silverfish will be attracted to the newspaper each night. Or you might want to try a glass container with a sticker walkway up to the top. Silverfish are unable to climb glass.

Chemical-Free Prevention Methods

Then there are chemical-free prevention methods to help prevent silverfish. These include sticky traps which will need regular replacement.

How to Get Rid of Silverfish in Specific Areas

Silverfish in Clothes and Wardrobes 

To be sure that you protect your clothing, be sure that you keep your clothing storage areas dry, and don’t put any damp or potentially damp clothing in there. Regularly turn out clothing, disturbing the area prevents silverfish from taking hold in the wardrobe.

If there is an infestation, you need to immediately freeze any affected clothing for 72 hours, do this in a bag. Then wash the clothing to remove any eggs or potential residue.

To help keep the moisture down in your room, dry using a dehumidifier.

Silverfish Bugs in Bathroom 

The bathroom is one of the key areas where you’ll find silverfish and preventing them can be hard. You should do regular cleaning of the bathroom, with good cleaners, potentially with citrus smells as this can deter the silverfish.

Be sure to check for leaks in the bathroom. Or ensure that your pipes are insulated which can prevent condensation build-up.

How to Get Rid of Silverfish Australia: Regional Solutions 

There are numerous issues with Australia when it comes to silverfish. These include:

Australian Climate Considerations

Australia can have very humid conditions. This can cause issues with silverfish. Therefore, you should aim to dehumidify your home using good air movement and perhaps dehumidifiers. This should be done regularly. While they are less active during colder months, they are still active year-round.

Local Treatment Options

There are lots of local treatment options available in Australia which can include some native plants and other options. Be sure that you speak to local government services and companies that can help you with outbreaks in your home.

Australian Pest Control Services

If you’re struggling with a silverfish issue then speak to a pest control service that can help you get rid of silverfish. They can offer you assessments of what is attracting them and also how to get rid of the insects from your home.

Professional Silverfish Treatment: When to Call Experts 

If you’re deciding when to call the experts to get rid of silverfish, then you need to look for some of the severe signs of a silverfish infestation. Seeing several of them at once can be a significant problem, but it might still be a small problem. Lots of damage or signs of silverfish, like mentioned above are another sign that you need to call in the expert.

But it can be expensive and there are lots of home treatments and professional treatments that you can apply yourself without the cost.

When choosing a pest control service, then there are several things to consider such as experience with the insect, the cost of the service, reviews online, and what their treatment time scales are like.

How Do I Get Rid of Silverfish Bugs: Prevention Guide 

Prevention is the best cure for any infestation. So here are some suggestions for preventing infestations.

Long-term Prevention Strategies

Ensure there are no leaks or humidity issues in your home. Even damaged brickwork can cause humidity increases in your home which can lead to an increase in silverfish issues. Also, try to not leave plenty of food around for them. Store items in glass or sealed containers.

Maintenance Schedule

Have regular maintenance schedules where you check for moisture, leaks, and damage to your building. Also be sure to regularly clean your whole house, including moving furniture that can hide silverfish colonies behind them.

If you use glue traps, be sure that you replace the boards regularly.

Final Word: How to Get Rid of Silverfish: Expert Guide & Prevention Tips

When it comes to silverfish, getting rid of them is vital and prevention is better than cure. Above are the cure and prevention tips you need to keep your home pest-free this year. And if in doubt, be sure to call in some experts to help you with any silverfish problem you might have.