Households have been urged to put salt on their windowsills to prevent a pest from damaging their homes. Silverfish are slim, wingless insects about 12mm long with a silvery sheen. They are named after their silvery, metallic appearance and fish-like movements.
They have long antennae and three tail-like appendages. They're fast-moving, especially when disturbed. Another way to identify a silverfish infestation is by the musty smell they emit. This odour is caused by pheromones that male silverfish release to attract females for mating. If you notice this smell in your home, it's likely that you have a silverfish infestation. They prefer moist areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
They're nocturnal and often found in damp books, paper, cupboards, behind skirting boards, and wallpaper. They will eat through these materials, leaving behind small holes or yellow stains.
Silverfish eat small food particles, wallpaper paste, bookbinding gums, dead insects, and textiles like cotton and linen. They can, however, survive for several months without food.
Females lay about 100 eggs, often in cracks or crevices. The eggs, initially white, turn brown and are hard to spot. Hatching takes two to eight weeks, and depending on the environment, they may mature in months to a year.
Salt is a common household item that can be used to get rid of silverfish naturally, . Sprinkle salt around areas where you have seen silverfish activity or mix it with warm water to create a spray that you can use on surfaces.
Another natural method for getting rid of them is silica gel. This works by absorbing moisture from the air, which can dehydrate the silverfish and prevent them from reproducing. Silica gel packets can be purchased online or at hardware stores.
Peppermint oil is particularly effective at repelling these pests. Other essential oils that may work include lavender, cedarwood, and tea tree. To use these for pest control, mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and apply to areas where you have seen silverfish activity.
