How to Get Rid of Silverfish
You’re minding your business in the bathroom and—boom! A silver, wiggly bug darts across the floor like it’s late for a meeting. If that sounds familiar, you’ve just met a silverfish. These prehistoric, paper-loving pests are fast, sneaky, and fond of dark, damp corners like basements, closets, and bathrooms.
While they’re not dangerous, they’re destructive to books, paper, wallpaper, and even your pantry goods. The good news? You can get rid of silverfish using a few tried-and-true methods, from DIY solutions to professional-grade products. Let’s banish the bugs, shall we?
🐟 What Are Silverfish?
Silverfish are small, wingless insects about ½ inch long, known for their silvery-gray color and fish-like movements. They thrive in humid environments and feed on carbohydrates—especially sugars and starches found in paper, glue, clothing, and food crumbs. These bugs are nocturnal, which is why you often spot them late at night in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
🚩 Signs of a Silverfish Infestation
- Tiny pepper-like droppings in cupboards or along baseboards
- Yellowish stains on books, paper, or clothing
- Shed exoskeletons (they molt frequently)
- Irregular holes or chew marks in wallpaper, cereal boxes, or old files
- Actually seeing them run when you turn on the lights
If you’ve noticed one or more of these signs, it’s time to act fast.
🧹 How to Get Rid of Silverfish
1. Declutter and Deep Clean
Get rid of cardboard boxes, old newspapers, books, and stored clothing in damp spaces. Vacuum regularly and wipe down surfaces with a vinegar-water solution.
2. Fix Moisture Problems
Use a dehumidifier and fix any leaky pipes or faucets. Silverfish need moisture to survive.
3. Seal Entry Points
Use caulk to seal cracks, baseboards, and wall gaps. Don’t give them a way in.
4. Use Silverfish Traps
You can make DIY traps using glass jars lined with masking tape and baited with flour. Or buy sticky traps.
5. Apply Diatomaceous Earth
Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in crevices, corners, and behind furniture. It dries out and kills bugs on contact.
6. Try Boric Acid or Silverfish Insecticide
Use sparingly and keep away from pets and children.
🧪 Natural Remedies That Help
- Cedar Oil: Silverfish hate the smell. Use a spray or place cedar blocks in closets
- Cinnamon Sticks: Place in corners and pantry areas—they repel silverfish
- Clove Oil or Sachets: Natural deterrent for drawers and storage bins
📺 See It in Action: Silverfish Be Gone
Sometimes, seeing is believing. Check out this quick YouTube video that walks you through silverfish identification and elimination using household tools and affordable products.
🎥 Watch: “How to Get Rid of Silverfish Fast” on YouTube
🔁 How to Prevent Silverfish From Coming Back
- Run a dehumidifier in basements and bathrooms
- Store items in airtight plastic containers
- Clean out closets and drawers seasonally
- Replace paper-based wallpaper with paint
- Avoid leaving pet food or cereal uncovered
Bookmark GetRidOfff.com for regular household pest tips and weird-but-effective fixes.
✅ Final Thoughts
Silverfish may be ancient, but that doesn’t mean they belong in your home. With a little cleaning, sealing, drying, and baiting, you can send these unwelcome guests packing.
Whether you prefer natural remedies or heavy-duty sprays, the key is consistency. Start now, stick with it, and don’t forget to hit up GetRidOfff.com for even more guides to life’s grossest problems.
