How to Get Rid of Silverfish

Most of us are familiar with silverfish (Lepisma saccharina), those tiny bugs that dart out of our old books and clothes. They are actually nocturnal, wingless insects with a silvery-gray color and fish-like movements. While they feed on paper and clothing. These insects are neither found to inflict bites, nor do they carry diseases. Even though, not dangerous, they feed on a wide range of materials, especially, those containing starch and sugar. This include paper, wallpaper, certain clothing, photographs, book bindings, cereals, sugar, mold and mildew. So, if you notice any silverfish infestation in your house, deal with it at the earliest, so as to prevent any damage to articles and contamination of food.

Silverfish Control

These bugs can cause extensive damage, if they infest your house in large numbers. In order to control them effectively, you must know how to identify these insects, the signs of their infestation, their hiding places and food. They are insects with no wings and a fish-shaped body. Even their movements resemble those of fish. The body color of silverfish may vary from silvery-gray to greenish or bluish tinges too. These insects have two long antennae and three small filaments on the rear end. As you know more about the physical features of these insects, you may be able to identify and get rid of silverfish.

As far as their habitat is concerned, silverfish like to live in damp, humid and dark places. So, they are usually found in moist basements, beneath carpets, in bookshelves and wardrobes and under sinks. Infestation signs include sightings of the insects inside books, on clothes and beneath carpets. You must also look for markings like scrapings, notches and holes on books, wallpapers and photos. In case of clothes, yellow stains and holes may be a sign of silverfish infestation in the wardrobe. If you are not sure about the locations of infestation, then, make a paste of flour and water and apply it on both sides of some index cards and let them dry. Once they get dry, place them on different locations. If the cards develop any scrapings, holes and notches, you can be sure that these insects thrives there.

• First and foremost, you have to get rid of those conditions that make the atmosphere ideal for silverfish infestation. This includes preventing excess moisture build up, by fixing leaking pipes and other such structures. Using dehumidifiers will be beneficial for this purpose. You must also provide ventilation in closed rooms.
• As they like darkness, try to light up the infested locations. Even high temperatures are not suitable for these insects. So, it will be beneficial to heat the locations, if it is viable for you.
• In order to get rid of silverfish, you have to eliminate their food sources, if possible. Keep the books in zip lock bags along with some desiccant and store them in the freezer, for 2 to 3 days. This will kill the insects. Apply diatomaceous earth on books and bookshelves, so as to kill them. You have to keep your kids and pets away from these substances.
• You must also seal the cracks and crevices with silicone sealants. As wallpaper glue is one of the preferred foods of silverfish, try to repair or replace damaged wallpaper. You must also try to clean the areas regularly, as an effective elimination method. Vacuum the locations regularly, so as to get rid of these insects.

You may also try silverfish pesticides that are available in the market. In such cases, follow the manufacturer's instructions. The best way to get rid of silverfish is to adopt a combination of the above said methods, rather than resorting to only one method.