9 Ways to Get Rid of Silverfish Naturally

Do you have a problem with silverfish? If so, you’re not alone. Silverfish are one of the most common household pests in the world. They can cause a lot of damage to your home, and they can be difficult to get rid of. So how do you get rid of silverfish naturally? In this blog post, we will also talk about what attracts silverfish and how to keep them away for good with our nine ways!

9 ways how to get rid of silverfish naturally:

• Keep a Clean Home
• Fix Leaks
• Store Food Properly
• Use Cedar Oil
• Use Plants
• Use Diatomaceous Earth
• Use Naphthalene Balls
• Make a Silverfish Trap
• Use Boric Acid Powder

Now that you can see all the options, let’s go over in detail how to try out these methods so you know which one will work best for you!

1. Keep a Clean Home

Of course, the best way to get rid of silverfish is to prevent them from coming into your home in the first place. The best way to do this is by keeping a clean home. Especially if you are buying a new home, you want to start good cleaning habits from the beginning.

Silverfish are attracted to dirty places with a lot of clutter. They like to hide in dark, humid places where they can find food and water. So, if you want to keep silverfish away, make sure to keep your home clean and clutter-free. Here are a few things to do to keep your home an unfriendly place for silverfish:

• Vacuum regularly, especially in corners and under furniture.
• Wipe down counters and tables after meals.
• Keep basements and crawl spaces dry and clean.
• Do the dishes right away.
• Don’t let dirty laundry pile up.
• Take out the trash regularly.

By following these tips, you can make your home much less inviting for silverfish.

2. Fix Leaks

Another important part of housekeeping that will also naturally keep silverfish away is fixing any leaks in your home. Silverfish are attracted to moisture, so any leaks in your plumbing or roof can be a problem. Make sure to fix any leaks right away, and keep an eye out for potential problems.

The easiest way to check for leaks is to look for water stains on ceilings or walls. If you see any, it’s time to call a professional to take a look. You can also check under sinks and behind toilets for any signs of leaks. Even small leaks can attract silverfish, so make sure to fix them as soon as possible!

3. Store Food Properly

Another way to keep silverfish away is to store food properly. Silverfish are attracted to food that is left out or not stored properly. They especially like starchy foods, so be sure to keep them in airtight containers.

Here are a few tips for storing food properly:

• Don’t leave food out on the counter.
• Store dry goods in airtight containers.
• Keep the pantry clean and organized.
• Close up or seal any open packages.

These things are important not just for keeping silverfish away but also for preventing other pests like mice and rats. Especially if you have food storage in your basement, be sure to keep it clean and free of any damaged food containers.

4. Apply Cedar Oil

If you already have silverfish in your home, cedar oil can be a great way to get rid of them. Cedar oil is a natural insecticide that is safe to use around humans and pets. It is made from the oil of cedar trees and has a strong smell that silverfish hate. It works by suffocating the silverfish and causing them to dehydrate.

To use cedar oil, simply put a few drops on a cotton ball and place it where you have seen silverfish. You can also add cedar oil to a spray bottle with water and spray it in areas where silverfish are likely to hide. You can find cedar oil at most health food stores or online. Bonus, It can also be for other things like repelling mosquitoes!

Other types of oil you could try are eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, or lavender oil. You will want to buy these in pure and natural forms so that they are most effective and safe for you and your family.

5. Use Plants

Another way to get rid of silverfish naturally is to use plants. Using plants is the most natural way to get rid of silverfish and there are a few different plants that work well. Citronella, lavender, and basil are all great options.

Citronella and lavender work by repelling silverfish with their strong smell. Basil works by attracting predators like spiders that will eat silverfish. You can either plant these plants around your home or put a few drops of essential oil on cotton balls and place them where you have seen silverfish.

To get started with these plants, you can either grow them yourself or buy them at a nursery. If you want to plant your own, you will need to start with seeds or seedlings. Most will take a few months to grow, so if you need a more immediate solution then try another method on this list first!

This is a favorite method among homeowners because not only does it help repel pests like silverfish, but it also provides something lovely to look at or fresh herbs to use in your cooking!

6. Try Diatomaceous Earth

If you are looking for a more permanent solution, diatomaceous earth can help. This is a powder made from the fossilized remains of algae and it works by puncturing the exoskeletons of silverfish and causing them to dehydrate.

You can get diatomaceous earth at most hardware stores or online. To use it, simply sprinkle it around areas where silverfish are likely to hide. Make sure to reapply after any rain or housekeeping as it can be disturbed easily.

When using diatomaceous earth, it is important to be careful as it can also harm humans and pets if inhaled. Make sure to wear a mask when applying and keep children and pets away from the area until it is dry.

This method is great for long-term silverfish control, but it may take a few weeks to see results. You will also want to make sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth if you have pets as some types can be harmful to them.

7. Use Naphthalene Balls

Naphthalene balls are another great way to get rid of silverfish. These balls are made with naphthalene, which is a chemical that silverfish hate. They work by releasing a gas that suffocates the silverfish and causes them to dehydrate.

To use naphthalene balls, simply place them in areas where you have seen silverfish or where they are likely to hide. You can also put them in closets, drawers, and storage boxes to keep silverfish away. Be sure to use them in well-ventilated areas as the gas can be harmful to humans if inhaled. You can purchase naphthalene balls at most hardware stores.

Also, make sure your pets and small children do not have access to the balls as they can be harmful if ingested. Always read the warning labels before using any type of chemical in your home.

8. Make a Trap

If you want to catch silverfish, setting up a trap is a great way to do it. There are a few different types of traps that you can use, but the most effective one is the sticky trap. Here is how to make one:

You will need:

• A Piece of Cardboard
• Tape
• Sticky Substance (Honey, Syrup, Peanut Butter, etc.)

To make the trap, simply take the piece of cardboard and fold it into a box shape. Then, use the tape to secure the edges. Next, add your sticky substance to the inside of the trap. You can use honey, syrup, peanut butter, or any other sticky substance that you have. Finally, place the trap in an area where silverfish are likely to hide and wait for them to get caught!

Another common and easy-to-make silverfish trap is the jar trap. To make this trap, you will need a glass jar and some sticky substance. Simply add your sticky substance to the inside of the jar and place it where silverfish are likely to hide. The silverfish will climb in for the food and then won’t be able to get back out!

You can also purchase traps at most hardware stores. A trap is a great thing to do if you are buying a new home, simply place the traps in common areas before you move in to prevent a silverfish problem at the very beginning!

9. Use Boric Acid

Boric acid is another great way to get rid of silverfish. It is lethal to them if injected or ingested, but it is safe for humans and pets.

To use boric acid, you can either make your own powder or purchase it online or at a hardware store. If you want to make your own, simply mix borax and flour together in a ratio of three to one. Once you have the powder, sprinkle it around areas where silverfish are likely to hide. You can also put it in closets, drawers, and storage boxes. Be sure to reapply after any rain or housekeeping as it can be disturbed easily.

If you purchase boric acid, you will want to use it the same way. Simply sprinkle it around areas where silverfish are likely to hide. You can also put it in closets, drawers, and storage boxes. Be sure to reapply after any rain or housekeeping as it can be disturbed easily.

Related Questions

Are silverfish dangerous?

While silverfish are not dangerous to humans, they can be a nuisance. They are attracted to damp and humid areas and can often be found in basements, attics, and bathrooms. Silverfish can also damage clothing, books, and wallpaper by eating them. If you have a silverfish problem, it is best to get rid of them as soon as possible.

Where do silverfish get their name?

Silverfish get their name from their silvery-grey color and fish-like shape. They are also sometimes called carpet sharks or fishmoths. Silverfish are common household pests that can be found in many parts of the world. They are attracted to damp and humid areas and often invade homes in search of food.

How long do silverfish live?

The average lifespan of a silverfish is three to four years, but some have been known to live up to eight years. Silverfish are common household pests that can be found in many parts of the world.

How do I check for silverfish if I am buying a new home?

If you are buying a new home, it is always a good idea to check for silverfish. Silverfish are attracted to damp and humid areas and can often be found in basements, attics, and bathrooms. To check for silverfish, simply look in these common hiding places. If you find any silverfish, be sure to get rid of them before moving in.

What do silverfish eat?

Silverfish have a diet that consists mostly of carbohydrates. Silverfish will eat just about anything that contains carbohydrates, including paper, clothing, books, and wallpaper.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are so many great methods for getting rid of silverfish naturally! To keep silverfish away for good, you will want to use a combination of the methods listed above. You can also try to eliminate their food sources by sealing up any cracks or crevices where they might be able to get into your home. Additionally, keeping your home clean and free of clutter will also help to deter silverfish.

Whichever method(s) you try, just remember to keep at it! If one method doesn’t work, try something else. Or if you feel like the problem is getting worse and you may have a silverfish infestation then call professional exterminators to help. Thanks for reading and be sure to share this article with anyone who might be struggling with a silverfish problem! Good luck!