Silverfish are small, wingless insects. They love dark, damp areas like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. They move quickly, eat paper, glue, and even clothing. And the most irritating fact is that it can live for years. They don’t bite or spread diseases. But they can damage your belongings and become a nuisance. The good news? You can get rid of silverfish naturally without using harsh chemicals. Here’s how.
15 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Silverfish Naturally
1. Use Sticky Traps
Sticky traps are an easy and non-toxic solution. You can easily do this.
- Place them near sinks, baseboards, or under cabinets.
- Silverfish walk over them and get stuck.
- Replace the traps every few days.
You can simply make your trap using cardboard and honey. Coat a small piece of cardboard with honey. And leave it in a silverfish-prone area overnight.
2. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Diatomaceous Earth is a natural powder made from fossilized algae.
- It kills silverfish by drying out their bodies.
- Sprinkle a thin layer in dark corners, cracks, or near baseboards.
- And now, leave it for a few days, then vacuum.
Make sure to use food-grade DE. Especially if you have pets or children.
3. Reduce Humidity
Silverfish love moisture. So, reducing your home’s humidity will help to get rid of them.
- Use a dehumidifier in damp rooms. Use it for areas like the basement or bathroom.
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets.
- Ventilate rooms by opening windows or using exhaust fans.
- Wipe down wet surfaces and avoid leaving wet towels on the floor.
A dry home is a silverfish-free home.
4. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Silverfish enter through small cracks in walls, floors, or windows.
- Seal baseboards, wall cracks, and gaps in tiles using caulk or sealant.
- Check around plumbing pipes and vents.
- Use weatherstripping around doors and windows.
Blocking their entry points reduces infestations.
5. Use Essential Oils
Certain scents repel silverfish.
- Mix lavender, peppermint, or clove oil with water. Spray in corners, closets, and behind appliances.
- You can also soak cotton balls in essential oils. Place them in problem areas.
- Reapply weekly for best results.
The strong smell drives them away naturally.
6. Declutter and Clean Regularly
Silverfish hide in clutter.
- Get rid of unused cardboard boxes, old books, and stacks of paper.
- Vacuum floors, corners, and behind furniture weekly.
- Remove kitchen crumbs and food particles that attract them.
A clean home gives silverfish fewer places to hide.
7. Use Boric Acid Carefully
Boric acid is a natural mineral that kills silverfish.
- Sprinkle a small amount in areas if you see a silverfish.
- Avoid using near pets and children.
- Use gloves when applying and avoid breathing the dust.
Though natural, it should be handled with care.
8. Try Cedar Shavings or Blocks
Cedar naturally repels many pests, including silverfish.
- Place cedar shavings, chips, or blocks in closets and under sinks to help keep them fresh.
- Replace shavings every few weeks. It will help to keep the scent fresh.
Cedar also helps prevent mold and smells great.
9. Keep Dry Food in Airtight Containers
Silverfish are attracted to flour, oats, sugar, and other dry foods.
- Store dry goods in airtight plastic or glass containers.
- Clean up spills and crumbs quickly.
- Avoid leaving food open on counters.
Protect your pantry from unwanted pests.
10. Use Cucumber Peels
Silverfish dislike the smell of cucumber.
- Place fresh cucumber peels in active areas
- Replace every 1–2 days as they dry out.
- This is a safe method for homes with pets or kids.
It’s simple, cheap, and surprisingly effective.
11. Set Up a Jar Trap
You can make a homemade silverfish trap using a glass jar.
- Wrap a jar in masking tape so silverfish can climb up.
- Inside, place a piece of bread or sugar as bait.
- Silverfish will climb in but won’t be able to climb out due to the smooth glass interior.
Check the jar daily and dispose of any caught pests.
12. Use Salt
Salt can act as a natural poison.
- Sprinkle salt in corners, under sinks, and along baseboards.
- It dries out the silverfish and kills them.
- Repeat weekly to see results.
Be cautious in humid areas where salt can clump.
13. Try Citrus Peels or Oils
Silverfish dislike citrus smells.
- Rub citrus peels (like lemon or orange) along window sills and door frames.
- You can also use citrus essential oils diluted in water to spray affected areas.
The smell repels pests and keeps your home smelling fresh.
14. Keep Your Home Well-Lit
Silverfish prefer dark areas.
- Keep closets and storage areas well-lit when possible.
- You can use motion sensor lights in dark corners.
- Move boxes and open cabinets to let light in regularly.
Bright spaces are less attractive to silverfish.
15. Use Bay Leaves or Cloves
These kitchen spices work as natural repellents.
- Place bay leaves or whole cloves in drawers, bookcases, and cabinets.
- Their strong smell drives silverfish away.
- Replace them every couple of weeks for continued effect.
This method is safe and adds a pleasant aroma to your home.
Extra Tips:
- Don’t wait until you see many silverfish. One could mean more are hiding.
- Use multiple methods together for faster results.
- Continue to check traps and entry points regularly.
When to Call a Professional?
If your silverfish problem doesn’t go away after using natural methods, it may be time to contact a pest control expert. A professional can find hidden nests and use treatments that are still safe for your home.
Conclusion
How to get rid of silverfish naturally? You don’t need harsh chemicals. Simple natural methods like using diatomaceous earth, essential oils, sticky traps, and keeping your home dry and clean can work wonders. Combine a few of these steps, and you’ll see a big difference in just a few weeks.
Stay patient, stay consistent, and enjoy your silverfish-free home!