Silverfish—we’ve all seen these tiny bugs around our homes. They will feed on your books, dead skin cells, and other materials that are starchy. Silverfish are nocturnal so you may not see them during the day. You’ll most likely figure out you have them by the signs they leave behind. If you notice dark, damp areas that have excrement that resembles black pepper or find yellowish stains on paper, cereal boxes, wallpaper or clothing, and fabrics it’s a sign that silverfish are around.

These pests can be destructive so to protect your belongings it’s imperative to get control over them. The experts at Rentokil are here to share everything you need to know about silverfish, from preventing them to getting rid of them for good.

Silverfish Infestation Prevention

There are steps you can take to reduce the chance you’ll be dealing with these pests. The top ways to prevent silverfish are:

1. Repair leaky pipes and faucets.
2. Improve ventilation.
3. Using a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels in the air.
4. Remove uneaten pet food.
5. Regular tidying of the home.
6. Fill in cracks you find or repair peeling wallpaper.

Natural Silverfish Repellents

There are some natural ways to eliminate silverfish with products you can commonly find in your kitchen. Cinnamon, whole cloves, and citrus fruits are effective in keeping silverfish away from certain areas but will do nothing to get rid of a full-blown infestation. Small infestations can be dealt with by eliminating food sources, preventing moisture buildup, and reducing humidity. Larger infestations will most likely require a professional pest control company. Food and valuable books or papers can be placed in sealed plastic containers to prevent damage and contamination.

Professional Silverfish Control

If you find yourself with an infestation of these serpentine creatures, you can rid your home of them by trapping, repelling, and killing them with insecticides and making your home less habitable for them. You might have to experiment and try different methods to get rid of silverfish completely. Silverfish can live for years if they aren’t taken care of by humans and when you take care of silverfish issues you’ll also help prevent other pests too. The secretive nature of silverfish allows them to reproduce quickly and do lots of damage before you realize you have a problem. Do regular checks of your home especially in dark and hidden places to look for silverfish. If you can’t get a handle on a silverfish infestation in your home, it’s best to reach out to your local experts at Rentokil.