Getting Rid of Silverfish

How can I get rid of silverfish? The pest control people have not eliminated them, after coming back twice.

By Elizabeth from Gold Coast, Australia

Answers: Getting Rid of Silverfish

Read answers for this question below.

By 01/01/2010

Silverfish (and any other crawling-bug pests--cockroaches, earwigs, ants, centipedes, etc.) can be safely, efficiently and cost-effectively controlled with diatomaceous earth (available in specialty garden stores). It looks and feels like talcum powder and usually costs less than $10 for a 5 pound bag (a lifetime supply). It is non-toxic to humans and pets since it scratches the outer casing or breathing structure of insects and bugs, causing them to dehydrate. A pest only has to walk through some of it and they are as good as dead! As long as it remains dry, it is effective continuously, forever.

Just apply a thin line of diatomaceous earth along baseboard cracks--or anywhere else pests appear, or dust a specific area. If you know what your particular pest likes to eat, you can also make simple "traps" with a dish of diatomaceous earth and some tasty bait placed where you have the problem. One of the best methods of continuous pest control is to dust the space between your walls or under cabinets.

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/990524a.cfm

Previous: Tiny Brown Flying Insects

Next: Black Bugs in Rice Products

Getting Rid of Silverfish

I need a cheap way to kill silverfish and moths. Anything that eats holes in my clothes while in the wardrobe or chest of drawer.

Brian from Australia

RE: Getting Rid of Silverfish

At the store they sell moth balls in a bag or just get some moth balls, and store it in a mesh bag in the closet with your clothes. (03/01/2008)

By Fasha

RE: Getting Rid of Silverfish

Use lavender oil or scented products like sprays and dryer sheets. Also, cedar chips (can be found in the home department) can help repel those annoying expensive nasty things. (03/01/2008)

By kimberleekaye

RE: Getting Rid of Silverfish

Put nice smelling soap in your drawers it keep the bugs away, and your clothes smell fresh as well. (03/03/2008)

By Snazzy

Getting Rid of Silverfish

I have just found a silverfish in my bedroom. Does anyone have a pet friendly recipe to get rid of them?

By Barbme from Toronto, Canada

RE: Getting Rid of Silverfish

This is not to be used "out in the open". Use these in areas that are not accessible to children or animals.

SILVERFISH BAIT:

Silverfish seek out food sources that are high in starch; particularly books, magazines, and wallpaper. They'll also munch on flour and cereal, starched clothing, and some synthetic fabrics. Reducing paper and properly storing clothes and pantry items will make your home less appetizing for them.

1 cup oatmeal, ground to flour in a blender

1/2 tsp. white sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. powered boric acid

Mix all ingredients well, wash hands, and put a teaspoonful in a couple of shallow containers placed near hiding spots. Cover bait with crumpled pieces of paper. The silverfish will eat the bait along with the paper and then die. Keep the bait away from children and pets. (03/26/2009)

By mkymlp

RE: Getting Rid of Silverfish

Silverfish are not good. It's usually an indication that there is a source of dampness/poor ventilation. I would suggest finding the source of dampness, and a thorough cleaning of the entire room. Check with your local hardware store for a product you can use to fumigate your room/furniture etc., and then keep the area really clean and well ventilated. Regularly sprinkling baking soda in areas you suspect are damp (vacuuming after), will help absorb the moisture and should deter the silverfish from returning. Good Luck. (03/26/2009)

By hedera

RE: Getting Rid of Silverfish

Put a fine dust of diatomaceous earth on their runways. The particles will get between their scales and be like razorblades, even though to you it just feels like powder. Wear a face mask when applying or distributing it. (03/26/2009)

By kimhis