Silverfish, also known as fish moths or carpet sharks, are scaly little insects that measure 12 to 19mm in length. They appear silver and grey, with teardrop-shaped bodies and long antennae at the fronts of their heads. Unlike centipedes and other household insects, silverfish feed mostly on inanimate objects like carpets, furniture glue, and cardboard boxes. They like starchy and sweet materials. While they may cause some damage, silverfish are mostly harmless. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t creepy! If you want to get rid of them without the use of pesticides, try the trips below. For more information, call your local silverfish exterminator.
The best way to get rid of silverfish naturally is to get rid of what is attracting them in the first place. Like most other bugs, silverfish are drawn to humid and quiet areas, like the basement or bathroom. Set up a dehumidifier in the infested room if it is noticeably humid. Fix, clean, or replace any malfunctioning bathroom fans. You should also fix leaky faucets to reduce the amount of moisture in the air. Then, reduce clutter and do a deep clean. Store pantry foods like rice and pasta in sealed containers. Switch from cardboard to plastic storage boxes.
Once you have addressed the humidity and food, seal openings into the home to stop any more silverfish from coming. Using a silicone caulking or expanding foam, seal any gaps you find in the window frames and cupboards. Replace any broken bug screens and check that they fit snuggly.
Roll up a piece of newspaper and soak it in water. Place the rolled paper in an area of silverfish activity and wait a few days. The newspaper will attract silverfish as a new home. Remove the paper after a few days and throw it out in the garbage or burn it to get rid of the bugs inside. You can also try wrapping a jar in tape and putting a piece of bread inside of it. The tape will provide enough texture for the bugs to crawl upwards and inside the jar. Once in, they will be unable to get out.
Use Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a totally natural, non-toxic powder made of silica. It works by cutting insects at the microscopic level when they walk over the powder and drying them out. You can purchase diatomaceous earth at most hardware stores or home supply stores. Sprinkle the edges of infested rooms with diatomaceous earth and wait until the infestation subsides. You can then vacuum the powder up.