Silverfish are one of the most common household pests. They can be found in any environment, but they seem to prefer damp places with lots of organic material like old books or clothing.
You may find them near your laundry room, basement stairs, or even inside your closets. These insects are not dangerous to humans, but they can damage your belongings.
If you have a silverfish problem in your closet, you can do a few things to get rid of them.
What are silverfish?
Silverfish, also known as lepisma saccharina, are tiny little bugs that are often found in homes. They get their name from their appearance and the way they move.
They have a teardrop-shaped body that is flat. They can vary in color from white to a muddy grey, or then bluish silver color.
They have three tiny legs on either side of their body, two long antennas and two shorter ones on their heads, and three tails, two shorter on the sides and a longer one in the center on their rear.
Their size can be anywhere from 12 to 19mm in length. These bugs move in a very peculiar way, much like a fish, and can move forward, backward and even sideways.
These bugs are not dangerous to humans, but they can be quite pesky. Food sources for these little guys include starchy food, old books, magazines, wallpaper glue, photographs, clothing, and other items.
These bugs are nocturnal — meaning silverfish eat at night. When they are not feeding, they hide in humid and dark areas of the house until. They can also go for long periods without any food, and they multiply very quickly.
Okay… so how do I get rid of silverfish in my closet?
Silverfish are likely going to get into your closet and try to snack on your clothes, and that is something you want to avoid. If you spot a silverfish in your closet, there are a few different things you can do to get rid of it.
Keep in mind that this bug is probably not there on its own! Here are some things to do if you see a silverfish in your closet:
1. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove them from cracks and crevices.
Vacuuming is an effective way to kill silverfish and help prevent an infestation. Silverfish are small, wingless insects that thrive in dark, moist environments.
They are often found in cracks and crevices around the home, and they feed on a variety of items, including paper, fabric, and even dead insects. Vacuuming helps to remove silverfish from these hidden areas and can kill them before they have a chance to breed.
In addition, regularly vacuuming will help keep your home free of the food sources that silverfish need to survive. As a result, using a vacuum cleaner is an important step in controlling a silverfish infestation.
2. Sprinkle boric acid powder near their hiding places.
A silverfish infestation can be a frustrating problem to deal with. These pests are difficult to control and can cause severe damage to your belongings.
If you’re dealing with a silverfish infestation, one way to keep them out of your closet is to sprinkle boric acid powder near their hiding places. They eat various things, but silverfish thrive on paper products and fabrics.
This powder is a natural insecticide that will kill silverfish on contact. When used in combination with other pest control measures, it can help to keep your closet silverfish-free.
3. Place cucumber peels near suspected areas as the scent will repel silverfish.
Silverfish are one of the most common household pests, and they can be challenging to get rid of once they’ve taken up residence. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective ways to keep silverfish away.
One of the most popular methods is to place cucumber peels near suspected infestation areas where silverfish thrive. The scent of cucumber is known to repel silverfish, and it’s a natural and non-toxic way to keep them away from your home.
I used cucumber peels as an alternative method for getting rid of silverfish from my closet, and it worked perfectly. Not only did the cucumber peels help to repel silverfish, but they also helped keep my closet smelling fresh.
4. Mix equal parts of sugar and baking soda and place in areas where you have seen silverfish.
Silverfish are one of the most common household pests, and they can be difficult to get rid of once they establish themselves in your home. If you’re dealing with a silverfish infestation, you may be looking for a simple and effective solution.
One popular home remedy is to mix equal parts sugar and baking soda and place it in areas where you have seen silverfish. The sweet smell of the sugar attracts the silverfish, while the baking soda works to kill them.
This method is safe to use around children and pets, and it’s relatively inexpensive. So if you’re looking for a way to get rid of silverfish, this home remedy may be worth a try.
5. Take measures to reduce moisture in your closet by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
A musty closet is not only unpleasant, but it can also damage your clothing. Fabric that is stored in a damp environment is susceptible to mold and mildew growth, which can cause stains and odors.
In addition, fabric that is exposed to excessive moisture will deteriorate more quickly. To prevent these problems, take measures to reduce the moisture in your closet. One way to do this is to use a dehumidifier, which will remove the excess moisture from the air.
Another option is to use an air conditioner, which will both cool and dehumidify the air. By taking these steps, you can protect your clothing and keep your closet smelling fresh.
6. Keep your closet clean and free of clutter.
Silverfish are small, wingless insects that are often found in dark, damp places. They are attracted to paper and fabric, and can quickly damage books, clothing, and other items.
In addition to being a nuisance, silverfish can also be difficult to get rid of once they establish themselves in a home. One of the best ways to prevent silverfish is to keep your closet clean and free of clutter.
Clothes that are stored in cardboard boxes or plastic bags are especially vulnerable to infestation, so it’s important to use breathable storage containers made of materials like cloth or wood.
In addition, silverfish thrive in humid environments, so it’s important to keep your closet well-ventilated. By taking these simple steps, you can discourage silverfish from making your closet their home.
7. Use a natural insecticide to kill them on contact.
One of the most effective ways to get rid of silverfish is to use an insecticide that will kill them on contact.
Natural insecticides made from ingredients like neem oil or diatomaceous earth are safe to use around children and pets, and they are effective at killing silverfish.
Simply apply the insecticide to areas where you have seen silverfish, or suspected infestation areas. Be sure to follow the directions on the label, and reapply as necessary. With a little patience, you can get rid of silverfish for good.
8. Use a food trap to catch the silverfish.
Take some open containers with food that attracts silverfish. Make sure you use a slightly tall glass jar and fill it just slightly with starchy food.
There are two ways to set the trap; the first would be to put double-sided tape on the outside, so the silverfish get stuck as they try to climb up the jar.
The second way is to put masking tape on the outside of the jar, which will allow the silverfish to climb up the sides.
Once they drop into the small amount of food, they will not be able to climb back up on the smooth surface of the glass from the inside. Replace the trap frequently till you stop seeing new silverfish.
9. Try the newspaper trap hack.
Silverfish love to live in high moisture and humid areas. With this trap, you can create their perfect environment to hide in and then destroy it.
Roll up a newspaper and wet it. The dark and moist inside of the newspaper will be their ideal spot to hide and lay their eggs. After a few days, burn the newspaper and replace it with a new one.
10. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth all over.
Diatomaceous Earth (or DE for short), is a white powder that is made up of fossilized algae. Purchase this powder and sprinkle it on the parameter of the base of your closet.
What this powder does is, it decomposes the outside waxy layer that silverfish have to retain moisture, which they need to survive. Once the silverfish is no longer able to retain moisture, it dies.
11. Inspect any new clothing or material before bringing it into your home.
Anyone who has ever had silverfish knows how difficult they can be to get rid of. These tiny creatures are attracted to dark, moist places, and they’re adept at hiding in small crevices.
As a result, they can be hard to spot until they’ve already infested your home. One way to help prevent a silverfish infestation is to inspect new clothing and materials before bringing them into your house.
If you see any sign of silverfish, such as shed skin or tiny eggs, it’s best to leave the item outside. While it may seem like a hassle, this simple measure can save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.
12. Seal cracks and crevices around your closet with caulk or another type of sealant.
One of the best ways to prevent silverfish from entering your home is to seal any cracks or crevices around your closet. This will help to create a barrier that silverfish cannot penetrate.
You can use caulk or another type of sealant to fill in any gaps around baseboards, doorways, and windows. Caulk is a putty-like sealant that is used to fill in cracks and crevices around your home.
It can be applied with a caulk gun, and it dries to a hard, water-resistant finish. To seal cracks and crevices with caulk, simply apply the caulk to the desired area and smooth it out with your finger.
Allow the caulk to dry completely before using the closet. Other sealants that can be used to fill in cracks and crevices around your closet include silicone, latex, and epoxy.
13. Call a pest control service.
If you’ve tried all of the home remedies and you’re still dealing with a silverfish problem, it may be time to call an exterminator. Pest control professionals have the experience and knowledge necessary to safely and effectively get rid of silverfish.
In addition, they can help you identify the source of your infestation and take steps to prevent future problems.
While it may be tempting to try to handle an infestation on your own, calling an exterminator is often the best solution.
Should you kill silverfish?
Silverfish are harmless to humans and animals, but they can cause damage to property. They are known for eating books, clothes, and tapestries, and they can also trigger asthma attacks in some people.
While silverfish are not dangerous, many people choose to kill them for pest control purposes. There are a number of ways to kill them, including using insecticides, setting traps, and using home remedies.
However, the most effective way to get rid of silverfish is to hire a professional pest control service. Professional pest control services use a variety of methods to kill them, including baits, sprays, and dusts.
They also have the experience and knowledge necessary to safely and effectively eliminate an infestation.
What chemicals kill silverfish?
There are a number of different chemicals that can be used to kill them. Insecticides that contain pyrethrin or permethrin are effective at killing silverfish.
Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide that is derived from chrysanthemums, and permethrin is a synthetic version of pyrethrin. Both of these chemicals are available in aerosable sprays, dusts, and powders.
How can you get rid of silverfish naturally?
Grey silverfish are small, wingless insects that are common household pests. They get their name from their grey color and fish-like shape, and they are known for their love of damp areas.
While they pose no threat to humans, they can be a nuisance, and many people want to know how to get rid of them. There are a number of methods that can be effective, but the most important thing is to remove excess moisture from your home.
Silverfish thrive in damp conditions, so by eliminating sources of excess moisture, you will make your home much less attractive to them.
This can be done by fixing any leaks, using a dehumidifier, and ventilating damp areas such as the basement or bathroom. In addition, you can use home remedies such as boric acid and diatomaceous earth to kill them.
How do you make a silverfish trap?
One of the simplest ways to get rid of silverfish is to make a trap. Silverfish traps can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic wrap, cardboard, and duct tape.
To make a silverfish trap, start by wrapping plastic wrap or duct tape around the outside of a small container. Then, cut a small hole in the top of the container and place it in an area where you’ve seen silverfish.
The silverfish will be attracted to the hole and will crawl inside the container, where they will be trapped. To increase the effectiveness of your trap, try putting some food or paper inside the container.
You can also make a trap out of cardboard by folding it into a funnel shape. To use this type of trap, simply place it in an area where you’ve seen silverfish and check it periodically to see if any silverfish have been caught.
How do you get rid of silverfish eggs?
The best way to get rid of silverfish eggs is to vacuum them up. Silverfish lay their eggs in groups of 20-30, and they are usually found in areas that are dark and humid.
They can be found under carpets, in crevices, and in any other dark, damp area. To remove the eggs, simply vacuum them up and dispose of them in a trash can. You can also use a dust mop or damp cloth to remove them.
What do silverfish eat?
Silverfish are small, wingless insects that get their name from their silver-grey color. They are common pests in homes, as they feed on a variety of paper products and starchy foods.
Silverfish can cause significant damage to books, photographs, and other papers, as well as cereals, flour, and other starchy foods. In addition, silverfish are known to eat mold and mildew, which can cause health problems for humans.
To control silverfish populations, it is important to remove potential food sources from areas where they are found. Vacuuming regularly and storing food in airtight containers can help to discourage silverfish from taking up residence in your home.
What should I do if I have a silverfish infestation?
Silverfish are small, wingless insects that are often found in damp areas of the home, such as basements, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. These pests can be a nuisance because they eat clothes and other fabrics.
If you suspect that you have a silverfish infestation, there are some things that you can do to get rid of them. First, it’s important to identify where they are coming from and what is attracting them to your home.
Once you’ve done this, you can take steps to prevent silverfish from entering your home in the future. You may also need to call a pest control company to get rid of the infestation.
In the meantime, keep your home clean and dry to prevent silverfish from taking up residence.
Do silverfish bite humans?
While silverfish are not known to bite humans, they can cause skin irritation in some people.
They are attracted to sweat and other body fluids, and their long, sharp mouthparts can puncture the skin. In addition, silverfish secrete a glycoprotein that can trigger an allergic reaction in some people.
If you think you have been bitten by a silverfish, it is best to wash the area with soap and water and apply a sterile bandage. If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Related questions
Does moisture attract silverfish?
Silverfish are small, wingless insects that are often found in damp basements or wet wood. They are attracted to moisture, and hot water is known to kill them. While silverfish are not typically harmful to humans, they can be a nuisance.
If you think you have silverfish in your home, it is best to contact a pest control professional. they will be able to identify the insects and determine the best way to get rid of them.
What is the best way to get rid of silverfish?
The best way to get rid of silverfish is to hire a professional pest control service. Pest control professionals have the experience and knowledge necessary to safely and effectively eliminate an infestation.
In addition, they can help you identify the source of your infestation and take steps to prevent future problems. While it may be tempting to try to handle an infestation on your own, calling an exterminator is often the best solution.