Silverfish are small wingless insects resembling crustaceans with their silvery scales. These harmless little creatures generally nestle in damp, warm rooms, and only come out at night. To get rid of them naturally, rely on certain strong odors and make sure to clean your interior regularly.
Where are silverfish usually found?
Silverfish usually appear in houses or rooms that do not have impeccable hygiene. But not only that: they are also installed in particularly humid and hot places (over 25°C) such as the toilet or the bathroom. During the day, when they are hiding, they can nestle behind baseboards, in cracks or even behind furniture.
How to eliminate silverfish naturally?
Silverfish are particularly sensitive to certain specific odors. To keep them away, you can spray a mixture of water and essential oils in the corners where they are hiding. For example, they fear peppermint, lavender and lemon, but also white vinegar. You can also place citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, sachets filled with cloves or eucalyptus and sage leaves to scare them away.
Know that diatomaceous earth is an effective insecticide. You can sprinkle it where you have spotted silverfish. Another possibility, by mixing baking soda and sugar, you can also create an effective trap. Insects will be attracted to the sugar, and thus become dehydrated from the baking soda.
How to prevent silverfish from returning?
To avoid seeing these pests return, be sure to clean your interior regularly and vacuum often to remove any crumbs that may be lying around. Don’t forget the folds of the sofa, the inside of drawers and cupboards. Additionally, seal water leaks quickly, as they are attracted to moisture. Finally, store your dry foods in airtight boxes or jars.