Silverfish or fish moths are tiny insects with carrot-shaped bodies, they are often white, brownish-grey, or bluish-silver in color. They are nocturnal creatures so they come out at night only to search for food.
Therefore, just like termites, they can go undetected for a long period, and cause destruction on your belongings.
These silvery insects feed on starch and animal protein; consequently, they are especially attracted to damp clothing and paper.
Once they have gained a footing in your house, they get to work, silently destroying clothes, papers, books, leather items, and even wallpaper.
OKC pest control has even heard reports of people finding them in unopened food packages!
Silverfish are most commonly found in laundry rooms, kitchens, damp cabinets or cupboards, basements, and attics as they prefer cold, dark, and damp places.
Here we will explain eight (8)ways to solve your silverfish problems.
1. Essential Oil Combo
For this, you will need:
1 cup of water
1 cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon boric acid
8 drops of Tea Tree Oil
8 drops of Lavender Oil
Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray in all infested areas to eradicate silverfish.
2. Use Clove Essential Oils
You can also rub clove essential oil over cracks and crevices in your walls or foundation to keep silverfish away.
In a spray bottle, you could mix half cup of rubbing alcohol and 15 drops of clove essential oil. Shake well and use it in areas prone to silverfish buildup.
3. Use Cloves to Repel
Cloves contain eugenol, this is a compound that is highly beneficial in preventing tooth decay in us humans, it also serves as a highly powerful natural insecticide.
Whole cloves have an expressly strong smell that effectively repulses silverfish. This property of cloves can be used to an advantage to prevent and eradicate silverfish infestations in your house.
Here are a few ways to do it
- Place a small bowl of cloves in areas that show signs of silverfish invasion.
- You may also place small bowls containing cloves in your basement or attic, or any other damp and dark areas that are vulnerable to silverfish.
- Alternatively, you can place small muslin pouches containing cloves in these said areas.
- You may also place the pouches in your wardrobe or bathroom cabinets to keep silverfish at bay.
Replace the spices every 7 to 8 days to keep the clove smell strong and effective.
4. Use Borax
You may have heard of borax as an efficient stain remover; however, did you know that chemically borax is the salt of boric acid and is equally effective at eliminating silverfish?
Borax is highly toxic for silverfish, the issue is how to make them consume it.
The solution is to mix borax with powdered white sugar (confectioner’s sugar is good) and place it in an area convenient for them.
Be careful however if you have any pets or babies in the house.
Never place this mixture in their sight of where they can reach it, we do not want any accidents.
How to do it:
Just mix 3 tablespoons of borax and 3 tablespoons of powdered white sugar in a small bowl until evenly combined.
Place in areas that are prone to silverfish infestation.
They will eat and say goodbye world. Saturate the same areas for at least a week or until all signs of silverfish are no more.
5. Set A DIY Trap #1
Get an empty glass jar and “yes it must be glass” and wrap some sticky tape around the outside so that it has some grip for the silverfish to crawl up.
Place some bait on the inside of the jar such as glue, paper, food- anything they eat.
Place the jar in an area that you know they will be in and leave overnight.
Let it stand upright. They will find themselves on the inside trying to get the food, only to find that they cannot walk up the slippery glass surface. Silent thieves caught!
Now take that jar and do as you wish!
6. DIY Trap#2
This one is too easy! Get some newspaper and roll it up. Moisten it with water, they will love it that way.
Place it in an area where the Silverfish gathers.
Leave it overnight. In the morning just scrape it all up and do as you wish!
Some people burn the bundle. But you may do as you wish. It’s your catch- and your silverfish!
7. Insect Starvation Plan #1
Place all foods in containers that are impossible for the insects to penetrate. Glass jars and see-through storage bins will do just fine. Just ensure that all the food is kept tightly covered and properly stored.
8. Insect Starvation Plan #2
Without this plan, the first one is totally useless!
Clean, everything and everywhere! This may sound a bit tiring and it may be in the initial stage of the plan.
But please note that this is the first and best trick to keep out any insect from your home.
Once the food is nowhere to be found, the insects have no interest in the area.
Most insects find themselves in homes because of the wonderful scent of food and the tiny food particles that we have no interest in.
In this case, we have to pay attention to every spill – from the floors, counters, tables, ovens, microwaves, and stovetops, and even in the food storage areas!
All food spills should be totally cleaned up. Then sanitize the area to kill microorganisms and food scents.
With these last two tips, you will be getting rid of more than just silverfish! You will make your home an insect-free environment over time.