How to Get Rid of Silverfish

Silverfish are small, crawling insects that like to live in wet, damp conditions. That's why they are particularly common in kitchens and wet rooms. Better ventilation and the use of a dehumidifier can help prevent silverfish. 

Silverfish’s Usual Hiding Place

• Kitchens or Bathroom- under sinks and kitchen cabinets
• Laundry area – behind wallpaper, window or door frames
• Storage areas – in storage boxes, bookcases, old stacks of newspapers and magazines

Solutions to Keep Silverfish Away

Whilst silverfish do not pose a serious health risk such as spreading viruses, swarms of silverfish can cause a lot of damage to your household items, which can lead to a nuisance. Learn more about the behaviour of silverfish and the damage they can cause. We recommend the following measures to prevent or minimise the chances of silverfish surviving.

• Silverfish are attracted to damp areas with 75% - 95% humidity, hence it is recommended to reduce the humidity with dehumidifiers and fans.
• Seal cracks and crevices on walls, floors, and holes around pipes to deter silverfish’s entrance.
• Keep closed rooms ventilated.
• Regularly inspect and tidy up your storage areas and look out for any signs of damage caused by silverfish. 

The Tips for Getting Rid of Silverfish

Silverfish are well hidden in inaccessible cracks and crevices, preferably dark and slightly damp. They can also be found behind hatchways and ventilation openings. The tips below will help you keep these populations under control.

• Good hygiene, even though they often hide in inaccessible places.
• Keep ambient temperatures low.
• Reduce humidity as much as possible through good ventilation and the use of a dehumidifier
• Sealing cracks and fissures prevents the spread of the infestation

In the event of a severe infestation, the following measures should be taken:

• Identify the pest - using a professional
• Use the appropriate insecticide
• Impeccable hygiene
• Keep the temperature low enough
• Silverfish do not survive in humidity levels below 50% (avoid all sources of humidity)
• Ventilate sufficiently to reduce humidity levels
• Seal cracks and fissures to prevent them from spreading 
• Arrange for regular inspection by a qualified technician 

Effective Silverfish Treatment from Rentokil

At Rentokil, our experts are experienced and fully trained professionals with knowledge of the habits and lifecycle of silverfish. Our industry-approved silverfish pest control solutions enable us to treat and get rid of silverfish as effectively as possible.

Besides our integrated pest management programme, we also have a range of effective solutions such as residual spraying that are highly targeted at the places that silverfish commonly hides.