How To Get Rid Of Silverfish Once And For All

Silverfish are silvery insects that you may find crawling everywhere in the night. They are annoying pests that can drive holes through your clothes, books, files, documents, furniture, upholstery, wallpapers, you name it! These pests prefer living in damp, dark and warm places such as sink, garage, bathroom, attic etc.

They can remain alive for 8 years. Follow these tips mentioned ahead to get rid of silverfish from your home. Hire professional pest control services immediately if you spot the signs given below in your home.

Signs Of a Silverfish Infestation

Listed below are some signs and indications that can help you in identifying a silverfish infestation:

• Droppings – The droppings of silverfish resemble black peppercorns and can be found in areas in homes that are used commonly by these pests. Their droppings are quite small and also can be mistaken for dust particles.
• Active silverfish – Silver-blue, brown-grey insects on the living room floor, garages, attics, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchen is a sign of an active infestation.
• Shells – Silverfish shed transparent and delicate shells during the course of their lives. This could be an indicator of an infestation in your house.
• Yellow stains – The corrosive enzymes in their bodies are a reason why they leave yellow stains on books, wallpapers, papers, clothing and so on.
• Holes on belongings – Holes on books, wallpapers, bed sheets, clothing and linens. Such damage to belongings is the surest sign of a silverfish infestation in your home.

How To Get Rid Of Silverfish

These are some ways to get rid of silverfish from your home in an effective manner:

• Sticky traps

Sticky traps are ideal devices to get rid of silverfish in a timely and systematic manner. These are available in your home maintenance or hardware stores. Placing them in all areas frequented by silverfish can be efficient in trapping them after which they can be disposed of.

• Foggers

Foggers and bombs are also effective in silverfish control. Make sure to use these products with caution and care as they are toxic for the children and pets in your household.

• Essential oils

Tea tree, cinnamon and eucalyptus essential oils can be used to get rid of silverfish from any property. Mixing 10-12 drops of any of these oils in a cup of water and then spraying this solution on all places that have silverfish is beneficial. You can also dip cotton balls in this solution and keep it near cracks and holes throughout the house.

• Boric acid

Boric acid is a poisonous agent and can be used to get rid of silverfish. This is a mineral that can be used effectively for dehydrating the insect after which it will die. Sprinkle a little in all the areas in the house that are used by silverfish.

• Sachets of herbs and spices

Herbs and spices are useful also in getting rid of silverfish and repelling them from your property. You just need to collect rosemary, cinnamon, thyme, in a sachet and hang them in the closet, drawers, and other places having silverfish eggs.

• Oatmeal

A trap filled with ground oatmeal can be created right at home. All you need to do is fill a jar with oatmeal and then tape its outer surface. This will prevent them from exiting the jar easily after which you can dispose the whole thing very well.

• Citrus fruits

The smell of citrus fruits like lemon and orange is extremely repellent for silverfish. You can make your own spray using water and lemon juice that can be sprayed on surfaces with silverfish egg and larvae. You can also place the peels of these fruits for repelling silverfish.

Silverfish are pests that are hard to find since they live in dark and damp places. They enter human habitats in search of food. Make sure your house does not have any leakage issues or highly humid spots that can attract them and help them breed in your home. If your home has early signs of these pests, make sure to consult an expert.