Silverfish, also known as fishmoth, is an insect with no wings; with a size toughly half an inch. Its color is silvery blue and appear like a fish when it moves; thus called a silverfish. They like to thrive in the dark areas in your house such as under the beds and cabinets; papery areas with high humidity like stacks of old books and paper. They could even live inside couches and electronic appliances. Not only are silverfish gross, but just like other house pests, they too can cause damages to your home. Luckily, there are natural ways you can eliminate them, without exposing you and your family to harmful chemicals.
Moderating Humidity In Your Home
Silverfish need water to survive. If you have an attic or a basement in your home, make sure they are well-ventilated. Remove water from places where you know the fishmoth are. Fans and dehumidifiers are also good investments to buy. You may also put silica gels in corners, holes and cracks that will not be reached by children or pets.
Sanitizing Your Home
These insects can incredibly live for one year even with no food. They can eat starches, cereal grains and just about anything they can find such as paper. Make sure that you sweep, mop or vacuum with diligence. Put away paper items such as magazines or books inside tightly closed containers. They can also eat linen, silk and cotton; so be mindful about the laundry. Molds are also tasty foods for the silverfish so you might want to make sure that your home is free from molds.
Removing/Repairing Wallpaper
Another tasty item on the silverfish menu is wallpaper glue. If you see that the edges or corners of your wallpaper are peeling, reattach them; cut them off to remove the wallpaper completely.
Regulating Light And Heat
Silverfish commonly dislike light and heat. The temperature this insect can tolerate if 70-80°F. To get rid of them, you can heat up the infested area or room above 80°F and then cool it down to 60°F. You can then use light in areas where they can be easier to control.
Covering Entry Points
Inspect your floors and walls; and look for any holes or cracks where they can enter. These areas will also be used by the silverfish for depositing their eggs. You may use caulking or plaster to fill up the open spaces.
Using Natural Repellants
There are herbs and foods that you can use to repel silverfish naturally. The smell of cloves is one thing that the insects cannot tolerate. You can place whole cloves in places where you find the fishmoth. The peel of cucumbers also gives off a scent that silverfish find horrible. Leave the peels in areas where the insects are found lurking. Just make sure you get rid or replace the old peels before they spoil. You can also use citrus sprays for repelling silverfish. Instead of buying commercially available sprays, make your own homemade sprays by mixing lemon juice with water. You could also mix together some herbs like sage, bay leaf and rosemary and then place them in appropriate places. Mothballs are useful household items that are effective in repelling insects including moth balls. You may also sprinkle boric acid powder in silverfish-affected areas. Silverfish will actually eat the boric acid and can eventually kill them. They will even bring home the boric acid to the nest to feed on their young; and thus kill the baby insects as well. Keep the boric acid, however, away from your kids and pets.
Moderating Humidity In Your Home
Silverfish need water to survive. If you have an attic or a basement in your home, make sure they are well-ventilated. Remove water from places where you know the fishmoth are. Fans and dehumidifiers are also good investments to buy. You may also put silica gels in corners, holes and cracks that will not be reached by children or pets.
Sanitizing Your Home
These insects can incredibly live for one year even with no food. They can eat starches, cereal grains and just about anything they can find such as paper. Make sure that you sweep, mop or vacuum with diligence. Put away paper items such as magazines or books inside tightly closed containers. They can also eat linen, silk and cotton; so be mindful about the laundry. Molds are also tasty foods for the silverfish so you might want to make sure that your home is free from molds.
Removing/Repairing Wallpaper
Another tasty item on the silverfish menu is wallpaper glue. If you see that the edges or corners of your wallpaper are peeling, reattach them; cut them off to remove the wallpaper completely.
Regulating Light And Heat
Silverfish commonly dislike light and heat. The temperature this insect can tolerate if 70-80°F. To get rid of them, you can heat up the infested area or room above 80°F and then cool it down to 60°F. You can then use light in areas where they can be easier to control.
Covering Entry Points
Inspect your floors and walls; and look for any holes or cracks where they can enter. These areas will also be used by the silverfish for depositing their eggs. You may use caulking or plaster to fill up the open spaces.
Using Natural Repellants
There are herbs and foods that you can use to repel silverfish naturally. The smell of cloves is one thing that the insects cannot tolerate. You can place whole cloves in places where you find the fishmoth. The peel of cucumbers also gives off a scent that silverfish find horrible. Leave the peels in areas where the insects are found lurking. Just make sure you get rid or replace the old peels before they spoil. You can also use citrus sprays for repelling silverfish. Instead of buying commercially available sprays, make your own homemade sprays by mixing lemon juice with water. You could also mix together some herbs like sage, bay leaf and rosemary and then place them in appropriate places. Mothballs are useful household items that are effective in repelling insects including moth balls. You may also sprinkle boric acid powder in silverfish-affected areas. Silverfish will actually eat the boric acid and can eventually kill them. They will even bring home the boric acid to the nest to feed on their young; and thus kill the baby insects as well. Keep the boric acid, however, away from your kids and pets.