Commonly mistaken for the silverfish is the firebrat (Thermobia domestica). Though not the same species, proper identification can be difficult. Silverfish are solid silver while firebrats are mottled grayish orange and have more hair. Luckily for you, disposal methods are nearly identical. All of the advice given in this article will also work for getting rid of firebrats with the exception of heat. The warmer you make it, the better they like it. By cooling the infested area to 60°F or lower, egg production of both species can be seriously slowed or even stopped.

Silverfish

Firebrat

Natural Silverfish Control

Diatect V Organic Insect Control. A dessicant made from natural Pyrethrins and diatomaceous earth. It is safe for people and pets. Diatomaceous earth scratches the insect or it’s breathing structure and causes dehydration.

Whole cloves. Silverfish supposedly don’t like the smell of cloves. You can help deter them by placing whole cloves in places where they are likely to be found.

Boric acid. Boric acid powder is a natural insecticide that sticks to the legs of silverfish and is taken back to the nest. Works well for dusting hard to reach places.

Orange Guard. A natural product for getting rid of silverfish. Orange guard uses d-Limonene, a component of the oil that is squeezed out of the rind of citrus fruits, to kill and repel silverfish.

Silverfish traps. Baited silverfish traps lure silverfish in with the promise of a meal. Once inside, the insect gets stuck to the sticky surface of the trap. You can also make your own by putting tape around the outside of a jar with some water on the inside. The insect can climb in but cannot climb out. You can then drown the silverfish by adding a little dish soap to the water.

My first experience with a silverfish, not to be confused with a silver fish, was in the shower where they're commonly found. There I was, under the warmth of the spray, soaking in the mist and humidity while I gently soaped my soiled body. Oblivious to everything, I felt a sudden wriggling under the arch of my foot. So naturally, being an overweight hairy dude, I jumped, dropped my rag and screamed like a little girl. Luckily I was alone in the house so no damage was done to my street cred. Unfortunately for the silverfish, however, he became silversquish and sailed away down the drain. These nasty little insects, known to entomologists as Lepisma saccharina are even more primitive than the cockroach. Silverfish infestations are usually small and take quite awhile to grow. Once established though, they can make for stubborn houseguests. This article will give you some hints on silverfish prevention, silverfish control and silverfish extermination.

Silverfish Prevention & Control

Reduce Humidity. Water is the key element for silverfish survival. Ventilate attics and basements. Invest in dehumidifiers and fans. Remove water sources. Replace or fix leaky pipes and faucets. Close shower curtains completely. If you don’t have to worry about pets or children getting into it, place silica gel in corners, holes, cracks and in the cupboard under the sink.

Sanitation. Silverfish are able to live up to a year without food. Be sure to sweep, vacuum or mop diligently. Silverfish eat cereal grains, starches and anything else they can find. They also eat paper, paper sizing and book glue so keep papers, magazines and books in containers with tight lids. Cotton, silk, and linens are also tasty so pick up the laundry and pay attention to what your rugs are made from. Get rid of mold too, it’s also on the menu.

Repair or remove wallpaper. Wallpaper glue can serve as a silverfish meal. If the corners or the edges of a strip of wall paper are peeling or coming up you will need to either reattach it, cut it off, or worst case scenario (and most effective) remove the wallpaper altogether.

Regulate Heat and Light. Common silverfish do not like heat or light. They prefer temps between 70 and 80° F. If you can tolerate it, heat the infested room to above 80°F or cool it to 60°F. Use light to force them into areas where they are easier to control.

Cover or fill entry points. Look carefully for any holes or cracks in walls and floors. Use plaster or caulking to fill them. Silverfish use these holes for entrance to your home. They will also use these same protected places to deposit eggs. Pay extra attention to the small crack between the runner board and the floor.