Effective Ways to SilverFish Control

There were times as a child when I would come across tiny silvery insects when opening books that would be sitting on the shelf for months or even longer without being read. These silver creatures looked strange and would move very quickly seeking an escape route. I later learned that these pests are called silverfish, silverfish are not poisons nor do they carry disease but can become an issue.

What Problem Do Silverfish Cause

Silverfish feed on starchy materials and items that are high in protein, they are active during night time and cause damage to stored foods, books, and clothing, besides physically seeing a silverfish other signs to know if you have a silverfish issue are their feces. The droppings resemble small, black peppercorns and are found in areas where silverfish frequent like kitchens, basements, garages, and storage areas. Clothing, books, paper, wallpaper, and magazines will have small holes, etc… This damage is done because the silverfish uses starches as food, silverfish have been known to leave yellow stains on linen.

SilverFish Identification

Silverfish are tiny and silver as the name denotes have a flat and oval-shaped body. Adults are usually about ¾ inch long with two antennae and 3 tail projections, they also possess scales and antennae.

How does Silverfish Gain Access

Silverfish gain access into homes through small openings whether through small holes in the wall or under the door where there is no door stop or the door stop may be damaged, damaged windows and doors, small cracks and crevices. Any small openings in the home or building structure will give silverfish an access point.

Where do Silverfish Lobe to HangOut

While silverfish may hang out in cool areas where there is a food source their preferred locations are areas that are warm and dark for example, damp basements, humid laundry rooms, bookcases and bathrooms, and attics that have leaks. These areas are known for their high temperatures and will encourage silverfish to speed up their breeding cycle. Other hot spots for silverfish are unfinished storage areas or crawl spaces, pantries, and under sinks.

How to Manage Silverfish Infestation

Because silverfish hide out in small cracks and crevices managing them may be difficult, silverfish are active during the night hours in search of food and water. These pests can go dormant and live without food for long periods. Once treated it might appear that silverfish have been eliminated but what is happening is the population is in a period of little or no activity at all so treatment must continue until these pests are eradicated. Below are a few methods that have proven to be effective.

• Place sticky traps in areas where silverfish are or may have been spotted.
• Place bread in a jar wrapped with masking tape, the silverfish will climb up and into the jar but will not be able to get out.
• Vacuuming regularly will remove silverfish eggs.
• Place ground cinnamon,  cinnamon sticks, or cinnamon oil in places where silverfish are hiding or nesting.
• Place whole cloves in areas that are infected with silverfish they hate the smell of cloves
• Dekko Silverfish Paks or Pro-Pest Silverfish Traps are non-chemical traps that are effective against silverfish control
• Wipe down window and door frames, bookcases, and closet shelves.
• Seal cracks in the foundation.

Chemical Control of Silverfish

• For severe infestation apply dust behind refrigerators, electric outlets, attic insulation, behind light fixtures, etc… for example Cimexa Dust or D-Fense Dust.
• In the case of a heavy infestation, a fogger is ideal to bring control.
• Sprinkle some food-grade diatomaceous earth around baseboards and other areas where silverfish were spotted. Also, apply diatomaceous earth to cracks and small holes. Diatomaceous works by physically damaging the exoskeleton of bugs which prevents bugs from retaining moisture that will lead to their death. Diatomaceous earth does not poison them but causes them to die of dehydration.
• If silverfish are coming from the outside then spray the perimeter of your house with a high-quality residual spray for example, Cyper WSP, D-Fence SC, or Avesta CS every 2-3 months.
• A pest control spray can be used to kill silverfish on contact.
• Use a pesticide barrier to keep silverfish outside.

How to Prevent Silverfish

Now that you have your silverfish under control here is how to discourage them from your home.

• Store dry foods in tight containers
• Don’t leave piles of newspaper lying around, get rid of card boxes that are not used especially in your basement.
• Vacuum regularly to remove food crumbs.
• Clothing that is not used should be stored in bins and placed in dry areas.
• Keep Areas uncluttered.
• Vacuum behind the toaster, refrigerator, oven and microwave

Conclusion

Silverfish control is made possible by implementing this guide, the goal here is to discourage silverfish from indoors, as said earlier although silverfish do not spread or carry disease it can present some issues which is cause for concern. If you have a silverfish issue then let us help you to put a plan in place that will help you to enjoy a pest-free environment because why should you let indoor pests set up camp in your home when you can strike back and bring control?