How To Get Rid of Silverfish

What are Silverfish?

Silverfish are crustaceous insects with a large head and small body that find the warm and humid environment within the house, an ideal place to thrive and breed. They get their name from their fish like movement. They love starchy and sugary products, hence, clothes, books, wall papers and adhesives fall into their desired food types. As a result, they can be easily spotted in the kitchen, basements, garage and other storage areas. The effective way to get rid of silverfish is to adopt a two pronged approach, i.e. elimination and prevention.

First step to remove Silverfish

The first step is to get rid of silverfish, as soon as it has been identified. Borax and water filter earth are two agents that effectively eliminate the crustaceous habitation. Apart from this, one can also try out insecticide sprays and poisoned baits to get rid of silverfish from their homes. But, the chemical used in such products can be quite harmful to kids and pets. So, it is extremely important to keep them away from the medicated areas. Moreover, the pesticide bombs can also be a great option that can be tried in closed areas.

Sanitize to prevent relapse

The next step is to sanitize the entire house and prevent any further infestation. Humidity is a great breeding agent for these insects, hence using a dehumidifier in the house will keep the moisture content low. Frequently wet areas like kitchen drain pipes and its surroundings should be kept clean and dry. Carpets, rugs and wet flooring can also attract more silverfish. Hence, these must be kept dry and free from food particles. Using air tight jars and containers for food storage is also advisable. Always remember to keep the house properly ventilated, even if it means opening your stuffy basements and attics for air circulation. Fresh air and sunlight will do a world of good and also keep the pests away.