Silverfish are small, wingless insects that often go unnoticed until the damage is done. Known for their destructive feeding habits, these nocturnal pests thrive in dark, humid environments and can be found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and even your wardrobes. Once they’ve made themselves at home, getting rid of them can be challenging if you don’t know where to start. In this guide, you’ll learn practical and long-term methods to keep silverfish out for good. If you’re already facing an infestation, seeking professional silverfish control in Melbourne can make a big difference.

Keep Food Secure and Unattractive to Pests

Silverfish are known to feed on starchy materials, which include pantry staples like flour, oats, and cereal, as well as pet food. To reduce the likelihood of attracting them, it’s important to store all food items in airtight containers made from glass or thick plastic.

Avoid using paper or cardboard packaging, as silverfish can chew through these with ease. Clean up any spills or crumbs in cupboards, and regularly inspect the pantry for signs of pest activity. A crumb-free kitchen is a step toward a pest-free home.

Protect Your Clothing and Fabric Items

Seasonal clothes, bed linen, and towels stored for long periods are prime targets for silverfish. They’re especially fond of natural fibres like cotton, silk, and linen. To avoid damage, store these items in sealed plastic tubs or vacuum-sealed storage bags.

Including moisture-absorbing sachets like silica gel can help reduce humidity levels in storage areas. Lavender-scented wardrobe fresheners not only protect clothes but may also act as a light natural deterrent.

Try Diatomaceous Earth for Natural Control

Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from crushed fossilised algae. It’s a natural and chemical-free product that works by drying out insects’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die.

Sprinkle a light layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth in areas where silverfish activity has been noticed, such as under appliances, behind toilets, and in bathroom corners. Leave it for a few days before vacuuming. Reapply as needed, especially in damp spots where silverfish are likely to return.

Maintain a Regular Cleaning Routine

Silverfish thrive in dusty, undisturbed spaces where crumbs, pet hair, and dead skin cells accumulate—this is their food source. Keeping your home clean is one of the simplest ways to prevent an infestation.

Focus on vacuuming skirting boards, under furniture, and behind shelves. Dust surfaces regularly, especially in low-traffic rooms like guest bedrooms or storage areas. The cleaner your space, the less appealing it becomes for silverfish to settle in.

Use Plant-Based Deterrents

Some essential oils are believed to repel silverfish due to their strong scent. Popular options include citrus, lavender, and peppermint oils. Mix a few drops with water and spray in likely hiding spots such as bathroom cabinets, bookshelves, and wardrobes.

You can also soak cotton balls in essential oil and place them in drawers or corners. While this isn’t a guaranteed fix, it’s a safe, non-toxic way to help keep these pests at bay—and it makes your home smell great too.

Catch Silverfish with Traps

Sticky traps, often used for cockroaches and spiders, can also be effective in catching silverfish. Place them in areas where you’ve seen signs of activity, such as along baseboards, under sinks, and behind toilets.

These traps help monitor the severity of the infestation and reduce numbers over time. Just remember to check and replace them regularly. For a DIY version, you can also roll up damp newspaper and leave it overnight—silverfish will crawl in, and you can dispose of the paper the next day.

Control Moisture and Improve Airflow

Humidity is a major factor in silverfish infestations. Bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens are common hotspots because of their moisture levels. To keep these areas less appealing to pests, ensure they are well ventilated.

Use exhaust fans after showers, fix leaky taps or pipes, and open windows when the weather allows. A dehumidifier can also be helpful in reducing dampness in problem areas like basements and wardrobes.

Keep the Outdoor Areas Tidy

Your garden and outdoor storage spaces could also be encouraging silverfish to move closer to your home. Piles of leaves, mulch, and other organic debris can create a perfect breeding ground for these pests.

Regularly clear garden beds, rake up fallen leaves, and keep firewood stacked away from the house. Maintain tidy gutters and downpipes to prevent water accumulation, which adds to dampness around the foundation of your home.

Declutter to Reduce Hiding Spots

Silverfish love clutter. The more stuff you have lying around—especially cardboard boxes, old newspapers, and books—the more hiding places and food sources they have.

Decluttering doesn’t just make your home cleaner; it also exposes hiding spots that might otherwise go unnoticed. Recycle unwanted paper, reduce stored items in humid spaces, and switch from cardboard to plastic storage when possible.

Block Entry Points into Your Home

Silverfish are tiny and can sneak in through the smallest cracks or gaps. Inspect your home’s foundation, window frames, and skirting boards for potential access points. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal gaps around windows and doors.

Cover vents with fine mesh and ensure fly screens are in good repair. Blocking their entry is one of the most effective long-term solutions for keeping silverfish out.

Need Help? Call the Experts

While DIY methods can work for mild infestations, silverfish are persistent pests and can be difficult to eliminate entirely without expert help. If you’ve tried the above methods and the problem continues, it might be time for professional silverfish pest control in Melbourne.

At Enviro Safe Pest Control, we offer targeted silverfish treatment that’s safe for your home and effective at eliminating the root cause. Our experienced team understands the habits of silverfish and applies tailored strategies to remove them completely.

For trusted and thorough pest control in Melbourne, contact Enviro Safe Pest Control today on 1300 997 272. Whether it’s your home, business, or investment property, we’re here to restore comfort and keep your spaces pest-free for good.