How Do Exterminators Get Rid of Silverfish?

Silverfish are elusive, fast-moving pests that can cause significant damage to your books, papers, clothing, and even pantry goods. While they bite or spread disease, their presence can be unsettling, and infestations can grow quickly if left untreated. If you’ve spotted silverfish in your home, a professional exterminator can provide a comprehensive solution. This guide explains how exterminators get rid of silverfish, what methods they use, and how you can prevent future infestations.

Why Do Silverfish Infest Homes?

Before tackling an infestation, it’s essential to understand what attracts silverfish to your home. These pests are usually on their way to seek environments which provide them with three main necessities:

1. Moisture

Silverfish often grow in humid conditions, which are often found in:

• Bathrooms
• Basements
• Attics
• Kitchens

High humidity levels create the adaptable breeding ground for these pests, making moisture control a key part of prevention.

2. Food Sources

Silverfish feed on a variety of starchy and sugary materials, which include:

• Paper, books, and wallpaper glue
• Apparel and fabrics (especially which are made from cotton, linen, and silk)
• Dry food which are stored in pantries (such as flour, cereals, and pasta)

Their feeding habits are different which can cause significant damage to household items, making proper storage essential.

3. Dark, Hidden Spaces

As nocturnal creatures, silverfish prefer to hide in:

• Cracks and crevices
• Cluttered storage areas
• Behind furniture and baseboards

They tend to stay out of sight during the day and emerge at night to search for food and moisture.

Professional Methods for Eliminating Silverfish

Pest Control experts use a multi-step approach to get rid of silverfish, making sure that your home is fully protected for long term. Here’s what one can expect in return during a pest control visit:

1. Inspection and Assessment

A highly professional exterminator starts by conducting a inspection of your home. This step helps him to identify certain aspects:

• Areas of high silverfish activity
• Moisture sources contributing to the infestation
• Potential entry points such as cracks and gaps

Exterminators may use traps to confirm infestation levels and determine the best course of action.

2. Targeted Insecticide Treatments

Pest control professionals use specialized insecticides to target silverfish in areas where they hide and breed. Common treatments include:

• Residual Insecticide Sprays – Applied to baseboards, cracks, and crevices to kill silverfish on contact and provide lasting protection.
• Dust Insecticides (Boric Acid, Diatomaceous Earth) – Used in voids, attics, and behind appliances, these powders dehydrate and kill silverfish over time.
• Baits and Traps – Gel-based baits attract and poison silverfish, helping to reduce populations gradually.

3. Moisture Control and Environmental Modifications

Since silverfish thrive in humid conditions, exterminators will often recommend or implement moisture control strategies such as:

• Repairing leaky pipes and addressing water damage
• Installing dehumidifiers in damp areas
• Improving ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements

Reducing moisture levels makes your home less welcoming to silverfish and helps prevent future infestations.

4. Sealing Entry Points

To prevent new silverfish from entering, exterminators may seal gaps and cracks around your home. Common sealing techniques include:

• Caulking small cracks and holes in walls and baseboards
• Installing weather stripping around doors and windows
• Sealing openings around plumbing fixtures

5. Follow-Up Inspections and Treatments

Severe silverfish infestations may require multiple treatments. Many pest control services offer follow-up visits which ensures that the infestation is fully removed and to apply additional treatments if needed.

How to Prevent Silverfish Infestations

After taking a professional treatment, taking preventive measures is an important step to ensure silverfish don’t return. Here’s what you can do to keep them out for good: If you feel things have gone out of control, it is advised to contact pest control professionals. Our team can provide a customized approach to protect your home effectively. Visit our Species, Control, and DIY Guide sections for additional resources on silverfish and ways to tackle a silverfish infestation.