You can also buy commercial silverfish repellants made with Japanese cedar oil.
As a bonus, if there are any silverfish running around, you’ll probably suck them in the vacuum, too. [4] X Trustworthy Source EDIS Electronic database of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’s peer-reviewed articles Go to source
Similarly, purge your wardrobe regularly so you don’t have clothes piled up in bins or bags—silverfish will feed on certain types of fabrics.
Sort through these containers periodically to make sure there aren’t any silverfish hiding in them.
Be sure to seal up your pet food and treats, too!
If your bathroom doesn’t have a vent fan, consider having one installed—it can make a big difference in the humidity.
A dehumidifier can also be helpful in closed spaces, like closets or storage rooms, where silverfish may be more likely to stay hidden for a while. [12] X Research source
If you ignore leaky plumbing, the added moisture in and around your home could create the perfect habitat for silverfish. If your water meter is running even when you’re not using any water, you probably have a leak somewhere. [14] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U. S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source
Clean your gutters at least twice a year—or more, if you have a lot of trees that hang over your roof. [16] X Research source
A fresh coat of paint can help seal out silverfish, as well. Seal up the interior walls, as well. Especially check for spots like seams in the wall or gaps around your baseboards, door trim, or windows. [18] X Trustworthy Source Penn State Extension Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities Go to source Use expanding foam to seal holes around pipes. [19] X Research source
Since silverfish live in dark, cluttered areas, simply shuffling your items around every so often may help prevent an infestation. Be sure to clean everything thoroughly—you may be removing tiny silverfish eggs without even realizing it.
The easiest way to apply DE is to pour it into a bellows duster. Just squeeze the bulb on the duster while you point the nozzle, and the duster will apply a fine layer of dust. [22] X Research source This works best if you’ve also removed any sources of moisture that are attracting the silverfish. Diatomaceous earth is naturally derived and non-toxic, so it’s safe to use if you have kids or pets.
Be sure to carefully follow all of the label instructions, as most insecticides are toxic. Avoid using them around children or pets.
