How To Avoid Silverfish

To avoid silverfish, you need to make your home less inviting to them. These small, wingless insects thrive in damp, dark, and cluttered environments—like bathrooms, basements, closets, and kitchens. Here’s how to get rid of them and prevent future infestations:

🪳 How To Avoid Silverfish

💧 1. Control Moisture and Humidity

Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements or laundry rooms.
Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans regularly.
Fix leaky pipes, taps, or drains.
Avoid leaving wet towels or clothes piled up.

🧼 2. Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free

Vacuum regularly—especially in corners, baseboards, closets, and under furniture.
Remove piles of paper, cardboard, and old books (silverfish love starchy materials).
Store dry goods (like oats and flour) in sealed, airtight containers.

🧯 3. Seal Entry Points

Block gaps around windows, doors, baseboards, and pipes with caulk.
Install or repair weatherstripping and door sweeps.

🌙 4. Limit Dark, Undisturbed Spaces

Silverfish are nocturnal and hide in dark places during the day.
Use storage bins with lids instead of cardboard boxes.
Occasionally move items in closets or storage spaces to disturb their hiding spots.

🪤 5. Use Natural or Chemical Deterrents

Diatomaceous earth (food-grade) kills them by dehydrating their exoskeleton.
Boric acid powder works well in cracks and crevices.
Essential oils like lavender, cedarwood, or citrus can act as repellents (though results vary).
For serious infestations, consider insecticide sprays labeled for silverfish or consult a pest control professional.

🧽 6. Clean Up Food and Crumbs

Silverfish may also feed on crumbs, dead insects, and even toothpaste.
Keep kitchen surfaces, drawers, and cabinets crumb-free and dry.

🚫 Avoid:

Storing books or clothes in damp basements or attics.
Leaving piles of laundry or wet bath mats unwashed.