How to get rid of silverfish

Homemade Repellents and Remedies to Get Rid of Silverfish

How to Get Rid of Silverfish?: Also known as Lepismasaccharina, silverfish is a tiny insect that is not harmful but can be extremely annoying and difficult to get rid of from your home once an infestation has occurred. After cockroaches, these bugs are probably the worst insects that your house can have. You will commonly find them in the kitchen, laundry room, bathroom, underground store, loft and spaces with moisture. If you find a silverfish infestation in your home, you should take immediate action to get rid of them and prevent them from returning. Fortunately, there are several home remedies that you can use to get rid of silverfish.

How to get rid of silverfish
How to get rid of silverfish

Home Remedies to Repel and Get Rid of Silverfish

Here are some of the most effective home remedies to naturally and safely get rid of silverfish:

1. Boric Acid

A naturally occurring mineral, boric acid is poisonous in nature and kills insects by starving them. Using this remedy is one of the most effective ways to get rid of silverfish in your home. When the insect eats the powder, it will die.

How to Use:

  • Sprinkle boric acid in all the areas infested by silverfish.
  • Vacuum the areas to pick up the dead insects and clean the space.
  • If you have pets in your home, it is important to remember that you should use a solution of boric acid and water instead of sprinkling the powder.

Related: How to get rid of spiders with home remedies?

2. Cedar Shavings

As you might know, cedar oil is often used as an insecticide. Cedar tree shavings have a pleasant aroma that can make your home smell great. Silverfish hate this smell, so, you get a double benefit. If you continue to use these shavings, you have not only a wonderful-smelling home but a silverfish-free one as well.

How to Use:

  • All you have to do is place cedar shavings in areas infested by silverfish.
  • Continue to use these shavings to keep these insects away and also have an aromatic home.

Related: Best repellents and remedies to get rid of cockroaches 

3. Diatomaceous Earth

This is another way you can deal with the problem of silverfish in your home. Diatomaceous earth causes dehydration in silverfish and they ultimately die due to this. The good thing about using this home remedy is that it does not harm pets – good news for those who have a dog or cat, or any mammal at home.

How to Use:

  • Scatter diatomaceous earth over areas where you think there are silverfish.
  • You can also sprinkle the powder directly over the insects and kill them almost instantly.
  • Vacuum the sprinkled areas after they have died to remove them and traces of the substance.

Note: Remember that diatomaceous earth is only effective in dry places.

Related: Home remedies to get rid of lizards from your home

4. Whole Cloves

Cloves contain a natural insecticide called eugenol, which is why it is commonly used as a natural repellent against many household pets. The fish moth hates the smell of cloves and will immediately scurry away once they smell it. They are also unlikely to return if you continue to use this remedy.

How to Use:

  • Place whole cloves in different spaces infested by silverfish.
  • Additionally, place them at entry points used by the fishmoth, such as holes, cracks as well as dark and damp places.

Related: Easy ways you can try to get rid of ants

5. Cinnamon

Everyone loves the pleasing aroma of cinnamon, but silverfish do not. If you want to keep silverfish away from kitchen cabinets, cupboards, bathrooms, drawers, study rooms, etc., all you need is a few cinnamon sticks. One whiff of the spice will drive these irritating pests away and you can be sure that they will not return as long as the smell is around. Remember to replace the cinnamon sticks after some time as you want to make sure that the smell is always fresh and strong to repel the insects.

How to Use:

  • Place cinnamon sticks in areas where there is a silverfish infestation.
  • You can also make cinnamon sachets and hang them in different places around your house.
  • Replace the cinnamon when you notice the smell fading so that the fish moths do not return.

Related: How to get rid of crickets with homemade repellents? 

6. Citrus Fruits

If you are looking for a natural way to get rid of silverfish, citrus fruits work extremely well. Orange and lemon peels can repel these pests and keep them away. However, you should keep in mind that you need to change the peels regularly as their smell fades away after a while.

How to Use:

  • Place orange or lemon peels in areas that you suspect are infested by silverfish. They will drive them away quickly.
  • You can also make a lemon juice solution and pour it into a spray bottle.
  • Shake properly and spray on all the silverfish-infested areas in your home – make sure to spray sinks, gutters as well as cracks and crevices as there may be an infestation in these places as well.

Related: Easy home remedies to get rid of bats

7. Cucumber Peels

One of the best ways to get rid of silverfish is cucumber peels. They work in a similar way as cinnamon and cedar shavings do. They prevent these insects from entering your home and setting up a habitat. Silverfish hate the smell of cucumber and the moment they smell it in your house, they will leave in a matter of seconds.

How to Use:

  • Place cucumber peels in places that silverfish usually use to enter your house.
  • You should also place them in areas where you have seen the insects, such as the bathroom, basement, and kitchen cabinets.
  • Replace the cucumber peels regularly until you are sure that the infestation is completely gone.

Related: How to get rid of moths?

As you can see, you do not need to use harmful chemicals to get rid of silverfish. There are many all-natural home remedies that can safely and effectively eliminate these pests and prevent them from returning to infest your home. These home remedies are not only safe and natural but also cheap. Above all, you are likely to have all the ingredients you need right in your home. The next time you see silverfish anywhere in your home, use one of these home remedies and see the effective results you get.