Silver fish are insects that love damp, poorly lit and cold places. That is why they are very often found in basements, closets, under the sink or even in bathrooms, which are perfect places for them. Also, although they are harmless, they are still painful, especially during an infestation.
These little beasts are easily recognized by their nugget-shaped silver body and frenzied movement. Before we get rid of these insects naturally, it is up to us to first know where they come from.
A silver fish – Source: spm
Are silver fish harmful?
Rest assured, silver fish are harmless and do not bite. They simply chew the food they crave. However, they may still be responsible for the manifestation of holes in the tissues.
Where do silver fish come from?
As mentioned above, where there is moisture, silverfish are likely to nest. Humidity and shade seem to be the criteria to rely on to more easily identify these small insects. So think basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and all the damp places in the house . Silverfish also love starch, cereal boxes, and other items.
Silverfish love dark places – Source: spm
How to eradicate silverfish naturally?
If silverfish tend to appear in large numbers or if you notice an infestation of these insects and want to get rid of them, you don’t need to use chemicals to get rid of them:
- Find the indoor spot where silverfish nest and spread diatomaceous earth over it. It is also one of the most effective solutions against bed bugs. To use, spray this natural insecticide product around baseboards, cracks and possible corners. It is also a non-toxic powder for pets.
- Apply adhesive strips on the edges of the walls as a trap
- Apply duct tape to a jar filled with bread or any other starchy bait. Going up to look for food, the insect will be trapped and you will not be able to get rid of it.
You can always use boric acid which is still an effective natural poison against these insects. Be careful, although this product is one of the most effective tricks to kill insects naturally, it is still toxic and cannot be used if you have small children or pets.
Silverfish appreciate old books – Source: spm
How to keep silverfish away naturally?
Natural methods to get rid of silverfish are especially helpful when dealing with a silverfish infestation . If you think they are present in greater numbers, you should act and take preventive measures:
- Once you’ve identified where they come from, which are cracks or holes, all you need to do is spray some cedarwood oil into those openings . It is a natural repellent whose smell keeps them away
- Another unbearable smell for these insects is none other than that of dry bay leaves. Spread it near cracks to ward off creatures.
- Keep away items that these bugs like sweets: newspapers, cereal boxes, and anything protected with caulking.
- Isolate out-of-season clothing in a dry place
- Vacuum seal from time to time to remove crumbs
- Dedicate the storage of your dry foods in airtight containers.
- Seal any cracks to prevent more silverfish from appearing.
- In the interest of prevention and to avoid invasion, solve your humidity problems by using a dehumidifier and investing in a better bathroom fan.
In case of parasite proliferation, you can always contact a pest control company.
