Silverfish are small, silver-grey insect pests that, despite their name, aren't fish at all – they get their name from their quick, fish-like movements, silver colour and love of moist environments.
Left alone, silverfish can cause real damage to paper, wallpaper and other starchy materials. The good news is that you can prevent and control them yourself.
The one thing to get right, and the reason silverfish so often come back, is this: they're a symptom of damp. Treating the silverfish while ignoring the moisture that's drawing them in is the most common mistake. In our experience the reliable route is a control kit combined with moisture control – the kit deals with the silverfish, and drying the space out removes the conditions they need. Here are 10 practical tips to stop silverfish and keep them gone.
📋 Quick answer: how to stop silverfish
- Confirm hotspots: check bathrooms, kitchens, basements/utility areas, and behind skirting and cupboards (night sightings are common).
- Dry the space first: fix drips and leaks, improve ventilation, and run a dehumidifier in damp rooms – this is the root cause, so it matters most.
- Remove food sources: vacuum edges and cracks, reduce paper and cardboard clutter, and store books and fabrics in sealed tubs.
- Target harbourages: use sticky traps to monitor, and apply powder or spray only into cracks and crevices per the label (not open floors).
- Monitor for 2–3 weeks: activity should steadily drop; if it doesn't, see the "grey silverfish" note below.
1. Reduce Humidity
Silverfish thrive in moist conditions, so keeping your home dry is essential – and it's the single most important step. We recommend ensuring bathrooms and kitchens are properly ventilated, which may mean installing ventilation fans as well as airing rooms naturally.
Consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and attics, and address any leaks promptly to reduce moisture levels.
Quick note: common silverfish vs grey silverfish (paperfish)
Most silverfish problems improve when you reduce damp and condensation. However, grey silverfish (paperfish) can cope in normal indoor humidity and may show up across more rooms (living areas and storage), so you may need tighter proofing, more thorough decluttering, and targeted crack-and-crevice treatment if the DIY steps stall.
2. Maintain a Regular Cleaning Routine
Silverfish are attracted to food debris and dust, especially in hidden spaces, so a clean environment makes it harder for them to find food and shelter. We recommend vacuuming and dusting thoroughly, focusing on hard-to-reach places such as behind furniture, inside cupboards, and under kitchen and utility appliances.
3. Store Starchy Items Properly
Silverfish are drawn to starchy materials such as books, papers and fabrics. Store these items in airtight containers or plastic bins with tight-fitting lids to cut off their preferred food and encourage them to go elsewhere.
4. Seal Cracks and Crevices
Inspect your home for entry points, such as gaps around windows, doors and pipes. Use caulk or other sealants to block these openings. Sealing cracks not only keeps silverfish out but also removes hiding places – though it's worth drying the area out first, as sealing alone won't remove the damp drawing them in.
5. Address Damp Areas
Regularly check for dampness in less-touched places such as basements, attics, ceilings and under sinks. Keeping these spaces dry discourages silverfish from settling. Carry out regular maintenance to fix or prevent leaks, and use moisture absorbers to reduce dampness. Don't be afraid to call in professionals if you have concerns about damp.
6. Use Natural Repellents
Essential oils such as cedar, lavender and citrus may act as natural deterrents for silverfish. Apply them in areas where silverfish are active, such as corners, skirting boards and storage spaces. Treat them as a supporting measure rather than a standalone fix.
7. Apply Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a fine, food-grade natural powder some people use as a gentle, low-toxicity option. Apply a thin layer in dry areas where silverfish travel, such as near skirting boards, cracks and edges. One caveat: it only works while completely dry, and silverfish live in damp conditions – so its usefulness here is limited, and drying the space out will always do more. Follow the instructions and keep it away from children and pets.
8. Set Silverfish Traps
Pre-baited or sticky silverfish traps are great for capturing silverfish and monitoring activity. Alternatively, a homemade trap can help too: place rough masking tape on the outside of a glass jar so silverfish can climb up and in, but not back out of the smooth interior. It's a simple, chemical-free option – use something like bread as bait inside the jar. Traps are best for monitoring and catching a few, rather than solving a wider infestation on their own.
9. Use Insecticides
If natural methods don't work, you may wish to consider insecticides designed for silverfish. We recommend starting with pesticide-free sprays and powders such as diatomaceous earth, and only using stronger sprays and powder treatments as a last resort for DIY purposes. Always follow the label, ventilate well, and keep children and pets away until treated areas are dry.
10. Clean and Repair After Infestations
After removing a silverfish infestation, thoroughly clean the affected areas, including removing any eggs and debris. We recommend using a vacuum or steam cleaner to clean cracks and crevices. Repair damaged wallpaper, books and other items to restore your home and help prevent further infestations.
Final Thoughts
Stopping silverfish yourself takes a combination of preventative measures and targeted control. Focus on reducing humidity, maintaining cleanliness and sealing entry points – and remember it's the combination of a control kit and moisture control that actually keeps silverfish gone, not one without the other.
If the infestation persists or is hard to tackle yourself, seek professional help – you can find a qualified controller through the BPCA directory.
We go to great lengths to ensure that all our DIY silverfish control products and kits are effective, fast and easy to use. You may also find our expert guide to getting rid of silverfish useful if you want to go deeper.
