No one wants bugs eating their way through their home. If you’re looking for natural ways to get rid of silverfish, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled some of the top 7 silverfish natural remedies to help you eliminate silverfish from your house.
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What Are Silverfish?
Silverfish are common household pests that can be a nuisance. They’re attracted to damp and dark places. So they are a common problem in bathrooms, attics, and basements. They usually come out to feed at night.
Silverfish are small and slender and have a silver/grey body with a blue sheen. They have an elongated oval shape with scales. They’re harmless to humans, but they can cause damage to fabrics, papers, books, and other items in your home.
Are Silverfish Dangerous?
No, silverfish are not dangerous to humans. You won’t have to worry about silverfish biting you or spreading disease to humans. However, they can cause tons of damage to the things inside your house.
What Do Silverfish Feed On?
Silverfish are scavengers that feed on a variety of things, including:
- Starches – such as wallpaper, book bindings, and cereal
- Animal protein – such as dead insects, hair, and nail clippings
- Dyes and inks – found in fabrics, clothing, and wallpaper
- Mold and mildew – often found in damp areas such as basements and bathrooms
- Sugars – found in food and drink spills
- Molds – found in damp areas such as basements and bathrooms
- Cellulose-based materials – such as paper, cardboard, and insulation
Silverfish can also go for long periods without food. It is one of the reasons why they’re so difficult to get rid of. They can survive in small cracks and crevices, making it hard to reach them with traditional pest control methods.
7 Ways To Get Rid Of Silverfish
There are many remedies that you can use to get rid of silverfish, but the seven we’ll share with you here are some of the most effective.
1. Citrus
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One of the things that silverfish can’t stand is citrus. You can use lemon juice, orange juice, or any other type of citrus juice to get rid of them. Simply spray the juice in the areas where you’ve seen silverfish, or mix it with water and use it as a spray.
You can also use the fruit peels to help get rid of them. Simply place the peels in the areas where you’ve seen silverfish and they will start to disappear. Change the peels periodically.
2. Vinegar
Vinegar is another effective remedy for silverfish. You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Simply mix the vinegar with water and spray it in the areas where you’ve seen silverfish. The acidity of the vinegar will kill the silverfish. If you are worried about the smell, you can add a small amount of essential oil to the vinegar mix.
3. Boric acid
- Many household uses
- Meets NF standards
- Boric Acid Powder NF 6oz
Boric acid is a chemical that’s effective in getting rid of silverfish. Boric Acid consists of a combination of boron and oxygen and is a natural element. It’s available in powder or tablet form, and you can mix it with water to create a spray.
To use it, sprinkle it in the areas where you’ve seen silverfish, or put it in bait stations that they will eat. It is one of the best remedies for killing the eggs as well. If you have children or pets, make sure to keep them away from the boric acid, as it can be toxic if ingested or breathed in.
4. Indian Lilac
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You can also use Indian lilac, also known as neem. You can buy neem oil at most health food stores, or you can make your own by boiling neem leaves in water. Once it’s cool, strain the mixture and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray it in the areas where you’ve seen silverfish.
5. Diatomaceous Earth
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- OMRI Listed - Listed with the Organic Minerals Research Institute, a non-profit organization that reviews products against organic standards.
- Powder Duster Included - Powder duster in the bag for easy and efficient application in difficult to reach areas.
Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from fossilized diatoms, a type of algae. It’s effective in getting rid of silverfish because it dehydrates them when they come into contact with it. You can buy diatomaceous earth at most home improvement stores. Simply sprinkle it in the areas where you’ve seen silverfish at night. Then vacuum it up in the morning.
6. Garlic
- Artesia Organic Garlic Powder is ground from whole heads of garlic
- For rich and savory fresh garlic flavor, without any peeling or chopping needed
- It brings smooth and mellow flavor to any savory recipe
Garlic is another natural repellent for silverfish. Sprinkle garlic powder in the areas where you’ve seen them. You can also chop up a garlic clove and put it in a jar of water. Let the jar sit for a few days, then strain the garlic and pour the water into a spray bottle. Spray it in the areas where you’ve seen silverfish.
7. Bay leaves
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- Contains 2 ounces of whole bay leaves, making it ideal for chefs
Bay leaves are a herb that’s effective in getting rid of silverfish. You can bay leaves in the spice aisle at most grocery stores, or you can grow your own. Place bay leaves in the areas where you’ve seen silverfish. They’ll eat the leaves and die.
You can also put them in a jar of water and let them soak for a few days. Strain the leaves and pour the water into a spray bottle. Spray it in the areas where you’ve seen silverfish.
Can I Mix Some of The Remedies?
You can mix some of the remedies to make them more effective. For example, citrus and vinegar make a great combination. You can also mix garlic and Neem oil.
Be sure to try one remedy at a time, though, so you can gauge its effectiveness.
How To Prevent Silverfish Infestations
The best way to get rid of silverfish is to prevent them from infesting your home in the first place. Here are some tips on how to do that:
1. Keep your home clean and free of clutter.
2. Reduce moisture in your home by using a dehumidifier or fixing leaks.
3. Seal cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation and walls.
4. Install screens on your windows and doors.
5. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and cobwebs from your home.
6. Place bay leaves, citrus peels, or garlic cloves in the areas where you’ve seen silverfish.
7. Use a pesticide if necessary.
FAQs
1. Do I need to use a pesticide to get rid of silverfish?
A. There are several natural remedies to get rid of them. You can use a pesticide such as DEKKO or a MaxMoxie device to get rid of silverfish if other methods don’t work. Be sure to read the label carefully and follow all instructions.
2. What’s the best way to mix the remedies?
A. There’s no one best way to mix the remedies. You can experiment to see what works best for you.
3. Do Silverfish Bite People?
A. Do, these bugs do not bite people. They save their bites for things in the house.
Getting Rid Of Silverfish For Good
These are just a few of the many remedies that you can use to get rid of silverfish. If you have a severe infestation, you may need to combine several remedies to get rid of them for good. Be sure to take precautions to prevent them from coming back, such as fixing any leaks and keeping your home clean and dry.
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