How to Get Rid of Silverfish in a Kitchen

Silverfish are insects with long, thin bodies, two antennae on their heads and two appendages that resemble antennae protruding from the ends of their bodies. These wingless insects seek out damp and dark areas, feeding on paper, fabrics, glue, wheat products and cereal. When silverfish appear in the kitchen, most people are repelled enough to take measures to eliminate them from the home. Remedying unwanted sources of moisture in the home and sealing cracks will often cause silverfish to move to other more hospitable locations. Traps are another way to eliminate silverfish from a home.

Things You'll Need

• Silicone caulk
• Borax
• Granulated sugar
• Small bowl
• Plumber's putty
• Dishwashing soap
• Bucket
• Dishcloth
• Dishtowel
• Plastic food storage bags
• Shallow dish
• Molasses
• White vinegar

Instructions

1. Examine damp and dark areas in the kitchen where silverfish may be entering and may be hiding. Use silicone caulk to seal up any cracks and crevices along baseboards, around pipes, in cupboards and any other areas that silverfish would find attractive.

2. Mix one part borax with one part granulated sugar in the small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture along baseboards and crevices to repel silverfish.

3. Use plumber's putty to seal up any plumbing fixtures that leak moisture. This moisture will attract silverfish, so sealing the leaks will make your kitchen less attractive to the insects.

4. Clean areas of the kitchen where papers, cardboard and books are kept. Silverfish often hide within papers and books and eat these materials. If you move or dispose of these items, silverfish will find your kitchen less hospitable.

5. Clean your pantry or other areas where you store food. Empty shelving and remove any food debris from the shelves. Fill the bucket with soapy water and wipe down the shelves. Dry the shelves with the dishtowel. Keep dry food in the plastic food storage bags to prevent silverfish from infesting your food.

6. Make traps to catch silverfish. Mix one part molasses with two parts white vinegar in a shallow dish. Place these traps in areas where you often see silverfish. Dispose of the trapped silverfish by pouring out the traps. Replenish the traps with more molasses and vinegar to continue trapping silverfish.

Tips & Warnings

• If your plumbing fixtures leak, fix or replace them.

• While borax is a natural mineral, it can be toxic if consumed. Do not apply the borax mixture in areas where children or pets may find it.

References

• Silverfish Information
• Silverfish Traps
• Borax