How to Get Rid of Silverfish at Home

Silverfish are small, fast-moving insects that often surprise people when they suddenly appear at night. They don’t bite, sting, or spread disease, but their appearance alone is enough to make most homeowners uncomfortable. Their shiny, scaly bodies and quick movements give the impression that something is wrong in the house — and usually, that instinct isn’t wrong.

Silverfish don’t live indoors by accident. When they show up, it’s because the environment inside your home meets their basic survival needs. Once you understand those needs, controlling them becomes much easier and far less frustrating.

Where Silverfish Usually Hide

Silverfish are rarely seen during the day because they avoid light and activity. They stay hidden in places that offer darkness, moisture, and food.

Rooms That Commonly Attract Silverfish

The most common areas include:

• Bathrooms with poor ventilation
• Basements with damp air
• Laundry rooms and utility areas
• Attics and crawl spaces

These spaces often stay humid and undisturbed, which allows silverfish to move around freely without being noticed.

Household Items They Feed On

Silverfish don’t eat crumbs or garbage like many other pests. Instead, they feed on materials most people store away and forget about, such as:

• Books and paper documents
• Cardboard boxes
• Wallpaper glue
• Clothing and fabric stored long-term

When these items are kept in dark, humid spaces, they become a steady food source.

How Clutter Contributes to Infestations

Clutter plays a much bigger role in silverfish problems than most people realize. It doesn’t just give them places to hide — it gives them everything they need to survive.

Why Paper and Storage Boxes Are a Problem

Stacks of paper, magazines, and cardboard create both shelter and food. Even clean storage rooms can support silverfish if paper products are stored improperly.

Why Regular Cleaning Matters

Closets, shelves, and storage bins that aren’t cleaned often allow silverfish to live undisturbed. Vacuuming and reorganizing these areas disrupts their hiding spots and removes food sources at the same time.

Reducing clutter directly limits how comfortable silverfish feel inside your home.

Moisture Control Is Essential for Long-Term Results

If silverfish could choose one thing to survive, it would be moisture. Without it, they dry out and die.

Why Humidity Attracts Silverfish

Silverfish absorb moisture from the air and surrounding surfaces. Bathrooms without fans, basements with condensation, and homes with leaks create ideal living conditions for them.

Steps That Make a Real Difference

Effective moisture control includes:

• Using exhaust fans in bathrooms
• Running a dehumidifier in damp rooms
• Opening windows when weather allows
• Fixing leaking pipes or dripping faucets

Lower humidity alone can significantly reduce silverfish activity over time.

Using Diatomaceous Earth for Silverfish Control

Diatomaceous earth is a popular option because it works without poisoning the environment.

How Diatomaceous Earth Works

The fine powder damages the protective outer layer of silverfish, causing them to lose moisture and die. It doesn’t rely on bait or attraction, which makes it effective in travel paths.

Best Places to Apply It

Apply a light layer in:

• Along baseboards
• Under sinks
• Behind appliances
• In corners and cracks

Leave it undisturbed for several days, then vacuum and reapply if needed.

When Boric Acid Is the Better Option

Some silverfish problems persist despite cleaning and moisture control. In those cases, boric acid can be more effective.

Why Boric Acid Works

Silverfish die after crawling through boric acid or ingesting it while grooming. It’s especially useful in narrow spaces where silverfish frequently travel.

Important Safety Considerations

Boric acid should be applied lightly and kept out of reach of children and pets. Used correctly, it targets silverfish without widespread exposure.

Simple Homemade Traps That Help Reduce Activity

Traps won’t solve an infestation alone, but they help reduce numbers and confirm where silverfish are active.

Glass Jar Trap

A glass jar wrapped on the outside for grip and baited inside allows silverfish to climb in but prevents escape.

Damp Paper Trap

A rolled, damp newspaper attracts silverfish overnight. In the morning, the entire roll can be discarded along with the insects inside.

These traps are inexpensive and useful for monitoring progress.

Natural Repellents That Discourage Silverfish

Some scents naturally repel silverfish and help prevent them from settling in treated areas.

Scents Silverfish Avoid

Common options include:

• Cedar blocks or cedar oil
• Lavender oil
• Citrus oil sprays

These can be placed in closets, drawers, and storage spaces.

Pantry-Friendly Solutions

Dried bay leaves placed in cupboards and storage containers can also help keep silverfish away from stored items.

Sealing Entry Points to Prevent Return

Removing silverfish is only part of the solution. Preventing new ones from entering is just as important.

Areas That Should Be Sealed

Focus on:

• Cracks in walls and flooring
• Gaps around baseboards
• Openings where pipes enter walls

Doors and Windows

Loose door sweeps and damaged window screens allow silverfish inside. Repairing these areas reduces future risk.

When Professional Treatment Makes Sense

If silverfish continue appearing despite consistent efforts, the infestation may be larger than it seems. Professionals can locate hidden activity areas and apply treatments that aren’t available for household use.

In many cases, professional intervention saves time, money, and ongoing frustration.

Conlcusion of How to Get Rid of Silverfish at Home

Silverfish are persistent, but they rely heavily on specific conditions to survive. When moisture is controlled, clutter is reduced, and entry points are sealed, your home stops being attractive to them.

The most effective approach focuses on changing the environment rather than relying on sprays alone. Once those conditions are gone, silverfish usually disappear — and stay gone.

A quiet house at night, without sudden movement on the floor, is often the first sign that the problem has truly been solved.