Silverfish infestation: How to spot and eliminate these pesky invaders

Silverfish are tiny insects that favour damp places in our homes. Although they do not threaten humans, their presence can be unpleasant. How can you effectively get rid of them? Here are some proven methods.

Silverfish are tiny creatures that reach a maximum length of about 1 centimetre. They have large antennae, several pairs of legs, and a silver-coloured chitin shell, which is why they are also called fishmoths.

They are most commonly found in dark and damp places like the bathroom. Turn on the light at night to see a silverfish scurrying away. Although they do not threaten humans, they can cause significant damage despite their small size. How do you get rid of them? Here are some tips.

Silverfish usually appear in bathrooms because warmth and moisture facilitate their breeding. However, they can move throughout the home, and their harmful activity is most noticeable outside the bathroom.

Since silverfish feed on dead insects and food scraps as well as paper, signs of their activity can be noticed in books, old documents, or wallpaper.

One way to effectively get rid of silverfish from your home is to mix boric acid and powdered sugar in a 1:1 ratio. Spread the mixture in various corners of the bathroom, and the silverfish problem will disappear after a while. However, it is essential to ensure that children or pets do not come into contact with the powder.

You can also prepare a simple but effective trap. For example, place a piece of paper smeared with honey in the bathroom. The scent will attract silverfish, which will stick to the paper. You can then dispose of them along with the paper.