Complete Silverfish Removal Checklist

Ready to get rid of silverfish for good, and not let the insects control your home? Whether you've seen one bug or a whole swarm, this step-by-step checklist will help you take control. We’ve compiled everything you need to do for how to get rid of silverfish, from inspection and cleaning to silverfish traps, natural ways to remove silverfish and prevention. Follow each step, and you'll be well on your way to a silverfish-free home.

Step 1: Inspect Your Home

• Check bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and attics for signs of silverfish
• Look behind baseboards, under sinks, and in closets
• Note any damage to paper, cardboard, or fabric
• Use a flashlight to find hidden bugs at night

In my experience, 2am to 3am in the morning is when they are most active. A quick walk around the house with a flashlight will show you exactly where they are hanging out.

Step 2: Clean and Declutter

• Vacuum thoroughly, especially along walls and behind furniture
• Get rid of old newspapers, cardboard boxes, and clutter
• Wipe surfaces and sweep hard-to-reach corners
• Empty and clean cabinets, drawers, and storage bins

Silverfish love clutter. A clean, tidy space makes it hard for them to hide.

Step 3: Reduce Moisture

• Use dehumidifiers in damp rooms
• Fix any plumbing leaks or dripping faucets
• Run exhaust fans during and after showers
• Keep indoor humidity below 50%

Dry environments are your best defense against silverfish.

Step 4: Seal Entry Points

• Caulk gaps around windows, baseboards, and pipes
• Repair loose tiles and cracked walls
• Install screens on vents and drains
• Close foundation or attic openings where pests could enter

Double check your attic to ensure exhaust pipes from bathroom and kitchen fans are connected and haven't come loose. Moisture and dampness in the attic often goes unnoticed for years.

Step 5: Set Silverfish Traps

• Place sticky traps in closets, bathrooms, and under sinks
• Use DIY jar traps with oats and masking tape
• Check traps daily and replace as needed
• Track where you catch silverfish to identify active zones

Step 6: Use Natural Remedies to Remove Silverfish

• Sprinkle diatomaceous earth along baseboards
• Spray diluted lavender or citrus essential oils in corners
• Place bay leaves, cloves, or cedar chips in drawers
• Try a baking soda and sugar mixture in bottle caps

These methods are safe for homes with kids and pets and work well alongside traps.

Step 7: Apply Borax to Remove Silverfish

• Sprinkle borax in dry areas under appliances or behind cabinets
• Use a mixed combination of 1 part borax and 3 parts sugar to attract silverfish faster
• Keep out of reach of children and pets

Step 8: Protect Your Belongings

• Store documents and photos in sealed plastic containers
• Use garment bags for clothing and fabric storage
• Avoid stacking cardboard on basement or closet floors
• Ensure washed clothing is dry before putting away or in your closet
• Keep wet clothes from the rain and snow off the floor and hung up to dry

Step 9: Maintain a Long-Term Routine

• Vacuum weekly and dust shelves regularly
• Inspect problem areas monthly
• Run dehumidifiers as needed
• Replace traps and repellents every 4–6 weeks

Consistency is the key to keeping silverfish from returning, don't give up and keep at it, it will work!

Step 10: Know When to Call for Help

• If silverfish return after weeks of treatment
• If you see damage to books, wallpaper, or fabrics
• If you're dealing with a large, hidden infestation

Pest control professionals can use advanced tools to reach inaccessible nests and provide long-term solutions.

Silverfish may be persistent, but with the right approach, you can get rid of them and keep them out. This checklist gives you a complete roadmap for identifying, treating, and preventing silverfish infestations. Stick to it, stay consistent, and you’ll enjoy a cleaner, pest-free home.

Here's to peace of mind and a silverfish-free home!