How to properly get rid of silverfish in an apartment
Immediately, we note that these insects are absolutely safe for both people and pets. But, you must admit, I do not want to share my own square meters with uninvited guests, especially since they do not deliver any aesthetic pleasure, but quite the opposite. What to do if silverfish appear in your apartment? How to get rid of them once and for all?
Why do they appear
The reason for the appearance of these unpleasant silver-colored insects is extremely simple: they are attracted by warmth, abundance of food and relative safety. They enter housing through ventilation holes, cracks in the wall, and even through windows. In an apartment or a private house there are many warm and humid corners that are considered a real paradise for silverfish.
Silverfish are nocturnal, and therefore people may not realize for a long time that they are not alone in the apartment. And over time, the insect colony becomes very large and then drastic measures have to be taken.
Effective remedies
Do not rush to contact serious companies that solve the issue of eliminating insects using strong toxic agents. Remember that these products can later harm you or your pets. To date, many so-called folk methods are known that are effective, affordable and have no side effects.
The easiest way to get rid of silverfish is to freeze them. To do this, leave the windows open for several hours in winter. Insects categorically do not tolerate cold and die, moreover, both adults and eggs and larvae.
Cedar sawdust. It has been noticed that insects do not settle in places where there is cedar sawdust. Unfortunately, this method can hardly be called the most common, because no one likes the extra garbage in the apartment. But you can scatter sawdust in the far corners, for example, under the bathroom, and sweep them out once a week. This procedure will have to be done until the insects disappear.
Jar traps. Another effective way to deal with intruders. Small jars are wrapped with masking tape and breadcrumbs are placed inside (someone prefers to use pieces of fruit as bait - this is at your discretion). Place the jars in places where insects can live overnight. Perhaps what you see in the morning will surprise you!
Essential oils. Another proven remedy. Insects cannot stand the smell of essential oils, and silverfish are no exception. The scent of lavender and lemon works best. Do not use pure oil! Be sure to dilute it with water and treat the floor well under the cabinets, bathtub, sink, and also behind the toilet. The main advantage of this method is that it is absolutely safe for people, which means that the surface can be processed more than once.
Traps from the newspaper.This penny version of the trap will surprise and delight you at the same time. It is difficult to imagine a more budgetary way to control insects. Ordinary newspapers should be rolled up and wet. Place at night in places of probable accumulation of insects. Silverfish are sure to be attracted by moisture, warmth and the ability to safely hide. So in the morning you just have to carefully place the newspaper in a plastic bag and throw it away without "losing" the contents.
Spice bags. The rich aroma of cloves and cinnamon will definitely not please insects. Therefore, packages with such contents are placed where silverfish are most likely located.
Boric acid. An effective but not safe answer to the question: how to get rid of silverfish. Especially if there are small children and pets in the house. This tool itself is dangerous for both adult insects and eggs. Powder is scattered overnight in places of possible habitat of silverfish, and in the morning it is removed with a vacuum cleaner or a broom.
Insecticides. If none of the above means has given the desired result, you will have to seek help from professionals. Important: do not try to get rid of insects yourself with potent agents, you risk harming yourself. Better contact a specialized company.
Prophylaxis
And yet, the most reliable way to get rid of silverfish at home is prevention.
If you follow these simple rules, you will not have to rack your brains later on how to get rid of insects or parasites.
- Reduce indoor humidity. These silvery insects live exclusively in humid places. Try to reduce the humidity level with additional ventilation. Another affordable way is airing. Leave the windows open often.
The lower the humidity in the room, the better. - Store food properly. This especially applies to bulk products - sugar, pasta, cereals, as well as animal feed.
They must be in an airtight container, and then the insects will be deprived of a food source. - Silverfish are often found in books and old newspapers. Don't create these comforts for them in your own home.
Sort and remove waste paper regularly. - Keep an eye on the condition of the walls, there should be no cracks on them. And remember, starch-based wallpaper glue is a delicacy for silverfish.
Treat wall surfaces with putty.
The appearance of insects in the house is an unpleasant fact, but not hopeless. There are plenty of ways to get rid of unwanted guests quickly and inexpensively. And remembering about preventive measures, you do not have to think about solving such problems at all.
VIDEO: How to get rid of silverfish in the bathroom.
