Pest Control: 10 Ways to Get Rid of Silverfish

A silverfish is a small, wingless insect found in basements, kitchens, sinks, bathtubs, in bookcases, on closet shelves, window or door frames etc. The scientific name for the species is “Lepisma saccharina” frequently called silverfish, fishmoths, carpet sharks, or paramites. Its common name “Silverfish” derives from its silvery light grey and blue color, combined with the fish-like appearance of its movements, while the scientific name indicates the silverfish’s diet of carbohydrates such as sugar or starches. They inhabit moist areas, requiring a relative humidity between 75% and 95%. They measure from 1/2 to 1 inch and live on starchy foods such as glue, book bindings, wallpaper, paper goods and dry foods. Other substances that may be eaten include cotton, linen, silk and synthetic fibers. Silverfish are considered as a household pest, due to their consumption and destruction of property.

Tips to get rid of silverfish

• Silverfish live in areas were moisture or humidity is high. Therefore ensure that your house or apartment has low humidity levels.

• Keep food articles and other materials which can contain starch in sealed packages.

• If the silverfish were to attack your bookcase, apply a small amount of diatomaceous earth to the bookcase. It brings down the moisture level.

• You can use sticky roach traps for silverfish elimination. Create your own roach trap by finding a canning jar, cleaning it thoroughly and cover the outer portion using the masking tape. Place that in an infected area of your house. A roach trap is a device that is used in lieu of poisons and insecticides to rid a home or building of cockroaches, silverfish and other insects.

• Sprinkle some talcum powder along your baseboards at night and look for roach tracks the following morning. Once you determine their entry point, seal the cracks in the foundation or baseboards through which they might be entering.

• Eliminating moisture by regularly mopping and dusting the premise. Regularly clean your bathrooms & toilets and if possible spray insecticides.

• Keep Naphthalene balls in the wardrobe, sinks, etc to avoid these pests from entering your premise.

• Treat cracks, crevices, wall voids and other likely hiding spots in the areas where the pests are noticed. Use sprays, dusts, or baits if conditions are alarming.

• Apply insecticides or poisons on leaks and cracks to bring silverfish under control.

• In buildings, silverfish exist in sufficiently humid, crevice-rich environments. If these conditions are removed, the silverfish will not be able to survive.