Natural Silver Fish Control

by: Michael O'Brien

They don’t fly but these adaptable insects have managed to migrate from their normally tropical environs to colder climates in an extraordinarily surprising number of ways. Mostly silver in color and fast moving, these opportunistic little bugs will scatter at the first sign of bright light or if they are disturbed, like when you surprise them by moving a box in your basement or garage. Silverfish can be found in even the cleanest home or office and can enter the premises in various ways in everything from cardboard boxes to books. Since it can take anywhere from two to six weeks for the any eggs to hatch, controlling an infestation of silverfish can take some time and effort once they appear in your home.

Silverfish take advantage of their wide-ranging dietary habits in picking a place to take up residence. Silverfish will feed on paper, cardboard, food waste, dead insects, fabrics, leather and even things like wallpaper paste. They prefer dark and damp environments including basements, bathroom, kitchens and closets. They are also found inside walls, baseboards and any location with a readily available food source. It is thought that silverfish can live for quite a long time, sometimes for as long as a year without eating.

Since the silverfish is such an adaptable bug, controlling and eliminating them from your home can be a challenge and should be undertaken without delay in order to avoid a serious infestation. Once they establish themselves you may be faced with a serious infestation requiring the talents of a professional exterminator. But there are some natural, non-chemical steps you can take before calling in the big guns. Options to controlling silverfish can involve a combination of chemical pesticides, sanitation methods and changes designed to make your home a less hospitable place for silverfish to take up residence.

The first step in a successful control program involves reducing the places where silverfish like to live and breed. Keeping your home clean and free of food crumbs is a good start. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean floors and under cabinets. Pay particular attention to cracks and crevices since this where silverfish eggs are often found. Also, be sure to vacuum around any baseboards. Since silverfish are drawn to damp places, be sure to repair any water leaks or sources of moisture. Humid weather can cause condensation to form on cold water supply lines. If you find this to be the case, be sure to wrap the pipes with an appropriate insulation product which can be found at your local hardware or home improvement store.

Using plastic containers for storage in place of cardboard or other paper-based containers, is a good way to eliminate a potential food source and breeding ground. Containers should have tight fitting lids. If you use plastic containers for food storage make sure that the type of plastic is safe for contact with food. Again, make sure the lids fit tightly.

Though chemical pesticides are an option, there are some non-chemical methods for controlling silverfish. Like many insects, silverfish are not able to climb on slick surfaces like glass. You can take a small glass container wrapped with duct tape and lay a trap. Sprinkle a very small amount of sugar in the jar. Acting as a bait, the sugar will attract the silverfish into the jar and the bug will be unable to climb out. When the silverfish have been trapped simply place a lid on the jar and dispose of it.

If you chose to use a chemical pesticide be sure to consult with a professional before selecting a product. This will help ensure that you use the proper insecticide and help the chances of doing harm to your home, furnishings and most importantly to you or pets.

About the Author

Michael O'Brien