Do you have a silverfish infestation? If so, you’re not alone.
These creepy little pests have managed to infest homes all over the world. Infamous for destroying paperwork and other pieces of paper products, they will continue to infiltrate your home at every chance they get until you handle the problem.
That’s right. We said, “Handle.” Silverfish are notoriously difficult to get rid of for good. The good news is that there are some do-it-“yourself” solutions that you can use that we’ll walk through below. Keep reading to learn more about silverfish removal.
1. Roll up Newspaper
Rolling up newspaper is an effective remedy for efficient silverfish removal. Silverfish are attracted to newspapers as they provide an ideal source of food, being composed of materials used in the printing of the paper. To use newspaper in silverfish removal, begin by rolling up several sheets and securing them with a rubber band.
Place the newspaper roll around the affected area, usually at the base of walls, corners, and cupboards. It traps them inside a small area. Check the newspaper roll every few days, and replace the roll if necessary.
Discard the trapped silverfish outside, away from the house, in order to prevent re-entry. Paired with the use of a dehumidifier or the application of caulk around the walls, silverfish removal can be achieved quickly and easily with the use of rolled-up newspapers.
2. Put Out Sticky Traps
Sticky traps are one of the most efficient home remedies for silverfish removal. These traps are small, discrete, and easy to use. All you need to do to get started is place them around areas where silverfish are likely to congregate. Place them around entry/exit points such as windows, vents, and cracks in walls.
These traps lure in the silverfish with an adhesive, and once they become stuck, they can’t crawl away. Make sure to check them regularly for trapped silverfish and dispose of them afterward. With regular maintenance, the often-elusive silverfish can be controlled without the use of harsh chemicals or extermination.
3. Put Out Small Bits of Silverfish Poison
Put out small bits of silverfish poison to help with efficient silverfish removal. These poisons are slow acting, which encourages the silverfish to consume large amounts, oftentimes leading to their death.
Before using silverfish poison, households should take measures to eliminate or reduce the likelihood of silverfish infestations, such as thoroughly cleaning and vacuuming often and sealing up any cracks and crevices that provide silverfish entry.
Silverfish poison also works best when used in combination with other silverfish removal techniques, such as removing their habitat and food sources, trapping, and treating with natural insecticides such as boric acid or diatomaceous earth.
Silverfish are capable of surviving in a wide variety of climates and habitats, so the key to effective and efficient silverfish removal is taking the necessary measures to prevent them from entering the home in the first place.
4. Use Cedar or Cedar Oil
Cedar or cedar oil are both powerful home remedies for efficient silverfish removal. Silverfish do not like the smell of cedar. It is used to discourage these insects from making their home in your environment.
To make cedar effective, place it in drawers, closets, and storage bags to deter silverfish. Cedar oil is an equally effective pest repellent which, when diffused in the air or sprayed around doors and windows where silverfish are likely to come in contact.
Cedar oil is a great deterrent as it does not harm the environment, is not poisonous to humans, and is relatively inexpensive. Being natural, cedar and cedar oil can be used in homes safely and efficiently to remove silverfish.
5. Spread Dried Bay Leaves Throughout Your Home
Bay leaves are an excellent and efficient way to get pest remedy. Dried bay leaves are especially effective because they contain natural compounds that are toxic to silverfish.
To ensure the most efficient silverfish removal, it is best to spread these dried bay leaves throughout your home, particularly in areas where silverfish may be present such as kitchens, bathrooms, and even attics.
This can be done easily by crushing the leaves and sprinkling them around the perimeter or even by placing a few leaves in strategic locations such as cupboards and drawers. Along with being beneficial for silverfish removal, bay leaves also give off a pleasant aroma that can make your home smell great.
6. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a home remedy that can be used to kill silverfish. Cinnamon is a spice derived from the bark of certain evergreen trees and is part of the light spice family. This home remedy works best when combined with other remedies.
Sprinkle cinnamon in areas where silverfish may be hiding and in areas with high humidity. Cinnamon can also be used to make natural repellents that are effective against silverfish. The cinnamon essential oil can be used by mixing it with water and spraying it around doors, window frames, cupboards, and other potential silverfish entry points.
It is also important to vacuum and clean regularly to prevent silverfish from getting comfortable in your home. Cinnamon, along with other home remedies, can help you get rid of silverfish efficiently.
7. Use Borax
Borax is a natural and effective home remedy when it comes to eliminating silverfish infestations. Borax is a naturally occurring mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water. It’s sold commercially as a cleaning agent and pesticide.
Borax stops silverfish from being able to absorb food and water, causing them to die off quickly. To use this remedy, sprinkle a layer of borax onto any areas where you see silverfish activity. Doing so will drive the silverfish out of the home, as well as kill any of the live insects.
Leave the borax in place for a few weeks, and then vacuum it all up. While it can seem like a tedious process, you can be sure that once you have treated your home with borax, the silverfish won’t return.
Learn About Silverfish Removal
Silverfish removal isn’t easy. However, there are a variety of home remedies to make it easier. From utilizing essential oils to creating a drying environment, these are simple, natural solutions that you can use to get rid of silverfish.
Try them out and be amazed at the results! If you have severe infestations, contact a professional pest control service immediately.
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