Silverfish are pests that come out at night and many people don’t know they have an infestation until there is a lot of damage. Learn how to prevent and get rid of silverfish with natural pest control!
Silverfish are nasty. There’s no way around it. They look gross and move so crazy fast they just give me the heebie jeebies. Ugh. They are the equivalent of pantry bugs. We had them in our old house – we had a pine tree right next to the house, lots of humidity, and a thick carpet in the basement.
The first time you see a silverfish it will probably freak you out. They move fast and catch your eye when you are least expecting it.
What Are Silverfish?
Silverfish are nocturnal pests. They move quickly and are very secretive, which allows them to hide for long periods of time. Because of this, an infestation can happen without being noticed until significant damage has already been done.
Where Are Silverfish Found?
Silverfish are found most often in damp and dark areas. They enjoy feeding on wallpaper, other types of paper and clothing. They are often found in basements, bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. They develop and grow more quickly in humidity and therefore are drawn to those places.
What kind of damage do silverfish inflict?
Because silverfish feed off of paper and clothing, they can wreak havoc in rooms and closets. Their taste for glue draws them to the binding in books and they can destroy a library of your favorite reading material while you sleep. They make stains and small holes in your nicest clothing. If you find scratches on the surface of a photograph, you may be able to thank your nearest silverfish.
As with all nocturnal insects, finding one in the daylight may be a sign that there is a larger population around when the lights go off.
Recognizing the Signs of silverfish
You will know that a silverfish infestation is likely when you begin to find these holes and stains in your clothing, and damage to books and paper. Sometimes you may simply find a silverfish scuttling along your bathroom floor or the inside of a sink or bathtub. As with all nocturnal insects, finding one in the daylight may be a sign that there is a larger population around when the lights go off. You may also find small feces that have a similar look to pepper.
Getting Rid of Silverfish
- Getting rid of silverfish begins with prevention. Attempt to keep your home as neat as possible by decluttering and cleaning. Because silverfish love humid areas, keep your home moisture free by taking simple precautions such as using the fan during and after a shower or bath.
- Cover the outside of a mason jar with masking tape and insert a piece of bread to draw them into the jar, as they will slip and be unable to get back out once they are inside.
- Use diatomaceous earth to kill these pests. Sprinkle it along baseboards, and anywhere that they might be found. Because silverfish have an exoskeleton, this is an effective remedy because it causes punctures in the insect that leads to its death.Diatomaceous Earth (often referred to as “DE”) is an off white talc-like powder that is the fossilized remains of marine phytoplankton. When sprinkled on a bug that has an exoskeleton (such as bed bugs, ants or fleas) it compromises their waxy coating so that their innards turn into teeny tiny bug jerky. But it doesn’t hurt mammals. We can eat it. Source: Rich Soil.
- Lavender essential oil is a repellent to silverfish. You can utilize this natural method of pest control by putting several drops into a spray bottle and filling it with water. Spray your home wherever you wish to keep them away from.
- Cedar shavings are also a natural silverfish repellent that you can sprinkle around your home in order to keep them from getting too comfortable there. Vacuum and replace the cedar shavings at least once per week.
Silverfish are critters we all wish to live without. Don’t let these nocturnal pests take over your home. Instead, use these tips to minimize any infestations before damage occurs.
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Great tips of what to do if you have silverfish. Thanks for being a part of Merry Monday!