There are various ways to prevent and control silverfish, such as reducing humidity in the house, regularly cleaning and ventilating rooms, and using natural or chemical pest control methods. It is important to take action quickly when signs of silverfish are noticed to prevent further damage and nuisance. During the day, the small creatures hide in cracks, crevices or behind baseboards. Generally, silverfish prefer warm spaces with high humidity. Therefore, they are often found in the kitchen, bathroom, basement or utility room.
Controlling silverfish: 4 tips and home remedies
If you occasionally see a silverfish crawling around in the bathroom, you don’t need to call pest control right away. To some extent, the small creatures are normal in the house. With the following tips, you can control and eliminate silverfish from your home.
Toilet block
As a cheap alternative to traditional pest control methods, a toilet block can be used to control silverfish. By making a small cut in the cellophane of the toilet block, the strong odor is released that repels silverfish. It is important not to make the cut too large to prevent excessive odor dispersion. Place the toilet block in places where you have seen silverfish for effective control.
Reducing humidity in the house
Moisture is an important factor in the control of silverfish, as these insects thrive in humid environments. Therefore, reducing moisture in the house can help prevent and control silverfish.
Using honey
There are various silverfish traps available in the store, where the insects get stuck on the sticky bottom of the trap. But you can also easily make these traps yourself, saving money. Take, for example, a sandwich bag or parchment paper, spread it with honey, and place them in places where you have found silverfish. The sticky honey will keep the silverfish stuck and unable to escape.
Essential oils
Essential oils are an effective deterrent against silverfish, as they overload the insects’ odor and taste sensors. When silverfish come into contact with essential oils, they die or leave the area. Especially lavender oil is a commonly used variant for controlling silverfish. You can easily apply the oil by putting a few drops on a piece of fabric and placing it in various places where silverfish often occur.