Noticed a silvery little bug darting back into the shadows when you turned on the lights? That’s a silverfish — harmless to humans but a real threat to your books, clothes, and wallpaper. Luckily, these pests are easy to trap and repel with the right techniques. Below are the best ways to eliminate silverfish and keep them out of your home for good.
Quick Tips to Eliminate Silverfish
✅ DIY Trap: Wrap a tall glass jar with masking tape up to the top, drop a piece of bread inside, and place it near walls or furniture corners. The silverfish will climb in for the bait but can’t climb out.
✅ Sticky Traps: Use adhesive traps or duct tape traps in damp areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms, or under sinks. Place a starch-based bait (like bread or flour) in the center to lure them.
✅ Newspaper Trick: Roll up a damp newspaper, secure it with rubber bands, and leave it overnight. Silverfish crawl in to hide and feed. Toss the whole paper outside in the morning — no unrolling needed.
✅ Commercial Roach Traps: These sticky traps also work for silverfish. Position them along baseboards, behind furniture, and in moist areas for maximum results.
Natural Repellents That Actually Work
🌿 Essential Oils: Mix cedar or citrus essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz it along cracks, floorboards, and corners. Silverfish hate the strong scent and will steer clear.
🌿 Herb Sachets: Fill small fabric bags with rosemary, lavender, cloves, or cinnamon and hang them inside cabinets or closets to deter silverfish naturally.
🌿 Cedar Shavings: Sprinkle cedar chips or shavings in basements, attics, or closets to repel silverfish without chemicals.
Dealing with Heavy Infestations
💨 Diatomaceous Earth: Dust food-grade diatomaceous earth into cracks and crevices where silverfish are hiding. It damages their exoskeleton and dries them out. Wear a mask when applying and vacuum the area the next day.
💨 Boric Acid or Pyrethroid Insecticides: For severe infestations, sprinkle boric acid powder or use pyrethroid-based sprays around problem areas. Keep these chemicals away from pets and children.
With these effective and natural methods, you can banish silverfish from your home and protect your belongings from their sneaky damage.
