How to Get Rid of Silverfish in Your Home
Silverfish are small, silver-coloured insects that thrive in humid, dark environments. In Toronto homes, they are most common in basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and undisturbed areas of closets. They feed on starches and sugars — paper, cardboard, book bindings, wallpaper paste, and clothing. While not dangerous, they can damage books, documents, and fabrics over time, and their presence usually indicates a moisture problem.
Reduce Humidity First
Silverfish cannot survive in low-humidity environments. Run a dehumidifier in your basement targeting 50% relative humidity or below. Fix any leaking pipes or condensation around cold-water pipes — wrap pipes with foam insulation if needed. Ensure bathroom exhaust fans vent outside and run after every shower. Improving ventilation in closets (leave doors ajar or use louvred doors) reduces the humid micro-climates silverfish prefer.
Diatomaceous Earth
Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is a highly effective, non-toxic silverfish killer. Apply a thin layer along baseboards, in cracks and crevices, in closet corners, and around plumbing penetrations. DE is a fine powder made from fossilized algae — it damages the exoskeleton of silverfish and other crawling insects, causing dehydration. It kills on contact and remains effective indefinitely in dry conditions. Wear a dust mask when applying. Reapply after vacuuming.
Boric Acid
Boric acid applied to the same areas as DE is another effective non-spray option. Silverfish walk through it and ingest it during grooming. Use sparingly in thin layers — heavy application is wasted and potentially harmful to pets. Keep away from food preparation areas and pet-accessible spaces.
Traps and Monitoring
Sticky insect traps placed in dark areas (behind appliances, under sinks, in closet corners) help monitor the extent of an infestation. Silverfish traps with attractant bait are also available at hardware stores.
Eliminating Food Sources
- Store books, magazines, and documents in sealed plastic bins rather than open shelves in damp areas
- Remove cardboard boxes from basements — replace with sealed plastic totes
- Fix peeling wallpaper, which provides both shelter and food
- Vacuum regularly in undisturbed areas like under furniture and in closet corners
Professional Cleaning in Toronto
A deep clean that reduces dust, debris, and food sources in undisturbed areas is an effective complement to silverfish control. Maidless Toronto offers flat-rate deep cleaning. Book at maidless.ca.