Did you know that your most prized possessions - rare books, important papers and designer clothes - are at risk of being eaten by a clever, silver insect if you store them in a dark, damp place? Named for their glassy, metallic appearance and slithering style of movement, silverfish are wingless insects with antennae whose ancestors date back millions of years, even predating the dinosaurs. Fighting silverfish in the house may not be easy, but with patience and perseverance you can get rid of them with some tips and tricks. Find out what to do below!
Why are there silverfish in the house?
Silverfish are biting, chewing insects that...are considered annoying pests. So they are not dangerous to people or pets, but they can cause damage. They chew on papers, contaminate food and stain clothing or other fabrics with their feces.
These insects love the taste of paper and damp wood. Another favorite is starchy foods and wallpaper glue. They are often found near books, magazines, boxes, and damp or rotting window sills.
Where do silverfish live in your apartment?
Just like other household pests preferSilverfish wet rooms such as bathrooms, especially when it's dark there. The best places to look for them are dark, damp areas such as under sinks, especially in bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, closets and attics.
Once inside the home, silverfish tend to settle in the same places. Silverfish of all ages, but especially the nymphs, feel comfortable in damp rooms. Therefore, they often settle in the corners and cupboards of the bathroom. The insects' instinct to retreat also drives them to attics, cellars and wall cavities.
Attics are particularly common hiding places for the pests because they are rarely used and there are many things they can eat. Dust, old documents, pictures, and other items provide silverfish with the food they need to live and reproduce until you have hundreds or thousands of silverfish.
Where do silverfish come from?
In the wild, silverfish live in damp, remote places. This can be, for example, under tree bark, stones or leaves. There are several ways they can get into your home. For one thing, they can crawl into the house through the foundation or another opening. It is also possible to accidentally bring these insects into your own home.
Use home remedies
Looking for a non-toxic way to get rid of silverfish? You have at least a few options. However, before you rush out to buy something, you should first experiment with the contents of your kitchen cupboards. Strongly scented herbs and spices are known to repel silverfish. So try generously laying out cinnamon sticks, bay leaves or whole cloves, or strategically placing bags filled with dried rosemary. If, despite your best efforts, the pests continue to reside in your home, you may want to move on to one of the more aggressive treatments described below.
Eliminate silverfish with diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth looks a bit like flour, but is actually a naturally occurring, crushed sedimentary rock. Dust the affected parts of your home with the substance and then wait. Silverfish are not attracted to diatomaceous earth, but when they come into contact with the shard-like particles, they dry out and die.
Use boric acid against silverfish in the house
Even though it is organic, boric acid should be kept away from children and pets as it can be harmful if swallowed. If you want to use the powder as an insecticide, simply sprinkle it in the silverfish's path. Alternatively, you can mix it with water and spray the solution into hard-to-reach cracks using a spray bottle.
Bait and trap method
Natural pest control has many benefits. However, if there is a downside, it is that you have to trust that the treatment you have chosen has been successful. If you're not squeamish and it's not a full-blown infestation, consider setting up one or more traps. This way you can be sure whether you are making progress or not.
- Krugfalle
Take any glass jar at least 8 cm high. Tape the outside with tape (sticky side facing out), place a piece of bread at the bottom of the jar, and place the trap in a location where you have seen silverfish. The adhesive tape allows the insects to crawl in, but they cannot crawl out on the smooth glass.
- Glue trap against silverfish in the house
Mix flour and water into a paste, with or without boric acid. Apply the paste to an index card or wallet-sized piece of cardboard. Allow the paste to dry until it is sticky, then set the trap in an area where you have seen or suspect silverfish are hiding. Check them often.
Fighting silverfish in the bathroom
Because silverfish love moisture, they are drawn to bathtubs and drains. However, the last thing you want to do is bathe with these creepy crawlies.About the insectsTo get rid of them in these areas, it is best to dry out the area and eliminate their hiding places.
Clear away clutter in the bathroom, such as stacked papers or towels, and thoroughly vacuum all the hidden corners of the room. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in the corners of the room and place a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the room.
What to do about silverfish in bed?
Although silverfish prefer places like closets and bathrooms, they can also be found in your bed. In this case, remove all bedding and wash it in hot water. Dry it on the highest possible setting (always check the care label first to make sure it doesn't get damaged). Next, you should clear the area around your bedroom of debris using some of the remedies describedagainst the verminuse.
