Have you seen a small, shiny bug that wiggles like a fish in your bathroom? That is a silverfish. These little insects are not dangerous, but they can be a pest. They like to eat things like paper, glue, and clothes. Finding a good way for how to get rid of silverfish is important to keep your home safe and clean. This guide will show you natural ways to make them go away and stay away.
What are Silverfish and Why Are They in Your Bathroom?
Silverfish are tiny, wingless insects. They have silvery scales that give them their name. They love dark, wet places. That is why you often see them in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens.
According to experts at The Spruce, silverfish are attracted to damp areas. If you see a lot of them, you might have too much moisture in your home. They eat starchy things like wallpaper glue, book bindings, and even some fabrics.
Learning how to get rid of silverfish in the bathroom starts with making the room less inviting for them.
Step 1: Control Moisture and Food Sources
The first step to get rid of silverfish is to take away what they need to live. They need water and food.
- Reduce Humidity: Silverfish love wet air. Use a fan when you shower to pull the steam out. You can also use a dehumidifier to make the air drier. Fixing any leaky pipes under the sink or in the walls will also help a lot.
- Seal Food: Silverfish will eat your food if they can. Keep dry foods like flour, sugar, and cereal in containers with tight lids. This cuts off their food supply and is a key part of what gets rid of silverfish for good.
Step 2: Eliminate Their Hiding Places
Silverfish hide in dark, quiet spots. Getting rid of these spots makes your home less comfortable for them.
- Declutter: Piles of old magazines, newspapers, or cardboard boxes are perfect homes for silverfish. Clean up any clutter in your bathroom, closets, and basement. Store things you want to keep in plastic bins, not cardboard.
- Clean Regularly: Vacuuming is a great way to fight silverfish. Vacuum your floors, carpets, and the corners of rooms. This sucks up the bugs and their tiny eggs. Clean behind toilets and under sinks where it is dark and damp.
Step 3: Use Natural Traps to Catch Silverfish
You can catch silverfish without using strong chemicals. Homemade and store-bought traps work well.
- DIY Glass Jars: This is an easy homemade silverfish trap. Take a glass jar and wrap tape around the outside. Put a piece of bread or a little flour inside. Silverfish can climb up the tape to get in, but they cannot climb back out on the smooth glass.
- Sticky Traps: You can buy sticky traps at the store. Place them where you have seen silverfish, like under the sink or behind the toilet. The bugs get stuck on the trap.
Ready to make your home pest-free? Try these natural remedies today!
Step 4: Apply Natural Repellents
Some smells and powders can keep silverfish away. These are safe for your family and pets.
- Essential Oils: Silverfish do not like strong smells. Mix water with a few drops of cedar, lavender, or peppermint oil in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture in corners, along baseboards, and inside cabinets.
- Diatomaceous Earth: This is a fine powder made from tiny fossils. It is safe for people but deadly for bugs. As Healthline notes, it works by damaging the insect’s outer layer and drying it out. Sprinkle a thin layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth in cracks and other hiding spots.
- Cedar Shavings: The smell of cedar naturally repels silverfish. Put cedar shavings or small bags of cloves in your drawers and closets to keep them out. This is a simple trick for how to prevent silverfish.
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When Should You Call a Professional?
Sometimes, a silverfish problem is too big to handle on your own. If you have tried these natural methods and still see a lot of silverfish, it might be time to call for help. A professional pest control service can find where the silverfish are coming from and use stronger treatments to get rid of them for good.
Conclusion
Now you know how to get rid of silverfish using natural methods. The key is to make your home an unpleasant place for them. Reduce moisture, remove their food, and clean up their hiding spots. Use traps and natural repellents to catch and keep them away. By following these steps, you can solve your silverfish problem and keep them from coming back. Follow Us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter for the latest updates.
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FAQs
How to permanently get rid of silverfish?
To get rid of them for good, you must consistently control moisture, declutter, and seal entry points like cracks in walls. Regular cleaning and using natural repellents will help keep them from returning.
Why do I have silverfish in my house?
You likely have silverfish because your home has damp, dark areas with available food sources like paper, glue, or starchy foods. Bathrooms and basements are common spots.
What do silverfish stay away from?
Silverfish stay away from strong smells like cedar, lavender, peppermint, and cloves. They also avoid bright, dry areas.
Are silverfish harmful?
No, silverfish are not harmful to humans. They do not bite or spread diseases. They can, however, damage paper goods, clothes, and wallpaper.
Is it safe to sleep in a room with silverfish?
Yes, it is safe. They are harmless to people and will usually try to stay away from you.
Is a silverfish a cockroach?
No, a silverfish is not a cockroach. They are two different types of insects with very different appearances and habits.
Should I be worried if I have silverfish?
Seeing one or two is not a big worry. Seeing many could mean you have a moisture problem or a large infestation that needs attention.
What spray kills silverfish?
A spray made with water and essential oils like cedar or peppermint can repel them. For killing them, commercial insecticides are available, but be careful using them around kids and pets.
Do LED lights attract silverfish?
No, silverfish are not attracted to light. They prefer dark places.
Why am I getting silverfish?
You are getting silverfish because your home provides the humidity, food, and hiding places they need to survive.
What smells do silverfish hate?
Silverfish hate the smell of cedar, lavender, peppermint, cinnamon, and cloves.
What repels silverfish?
Natural repellents include essential oils, cedar shavings, and diatomaceous earth. Keeping your home dry and clean is the best long-term repellent.
