Do Silverfish Ever Go Away Naturally?

Key Takeaways

Silverfish do not go away on their own and require active removal.
They survive for years in hidden, humid areas of your home.
Silverfish damage books, wallpaper, clothing, and stored food.
Moisture control, traps, and insecticides help eliminate infestations.
Sealing cracks and decluttering prevent silverfish from returning.

Silverfish are one of the most persistent household pests, known for their fast, wriggling movements and destructive appetite for paper, fabric, and starch-based materials. If you’ve spotted silverfish in your home, you might wonder: Do silverfish ever go away on their own? The simple answer is no—silverfish will not leave unless you take active steps to eliminate silverfish. These pests are incredibly resilient, capable of surviving in hidden areas for years, and they reproduce steadily if given the right environment. If left untreated, an infestation can lead to damage to books, clothing, wallpaper, and food items, making them a costly nuisance for homeowners. This guide will cover:

What You’ll Learn

Why silverfish infest homes and why they won’t go away on their own.
The destruction they cause and whether they are harmful to humans.
Step-by-step ways to eliminate them permanently.
How to prevent silverfish from returning.

Why Silverfish Stay in Your Home

They Can Live for Years: Silverfish have a long lifespan—up to 8 years in some cases.
They Survive Months Without Food: Even if food sources are scarce, silverfish can persist in your home.
They Lay Eggs in Hard-to-Reach Places: Silverfish hide their eggs in cracks and crevices, making infestations hard to detect.

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Even if conditions become less ideal (such as a decrease in humidity or food availability), silverfish won’t just leave—they’ll simply retreat into hiding until conditions improve.

What Attracts Silverfish?

Moisture & Humidity: Silverfish need high humidity (above 50%) to survive, which is why they are commonly found in bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, attics, and kitchens.
Food Sources: Silverfish feed on starches, including flour, paper, wallpaper glue, fabric, and even mould or dead insects.
Dark, Undisturbed Hiding Spots: They hide in cardboard boxes, bookshelves, closets, and cracks along baseboards.

Risks of a Silverfish Infestation

Damage to books, wallpaper, and fabrics.
Ruined clothing, upholstery, and stored garments.
Contaminated pantry goods (flour, cereal, grains).
Increased allergens from silverfish scales and droppings.

🛑 Silverfish don’t bite humans or pets and do not spread diseases, but their destructive feeding habits can cause costly damage to household items.

How to Get Rid of Silverfish (Step-by-Step Guide)

🔹 Step 1: Reduce Moisture & Humidity

Fix leaky pipes, faucets, and condensation issues.
Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements and attics.
Improve airflow with exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.
Use moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packs in closets.

🔹 Step 2: Remove Food Sources & Declutter

Store cereals, flour, and pet food in sealed plastic or glass containers.
Dispose of old newspapers, cardboard boxes, and excess paper clutter.
Regularly vacuum baseboards, closets, and bookshelves.
Wash and rotate stored clothes to prevent fabric damage.

🔹 Step 3: Use Traps & Natural Remedies

Jar Trap: Wrap a glass jar with tape on the outside. Place a piece of bread or starchy bait inside. Silverfish will climb in but won’t be able to escape.
Sticky Traps: Place silverfish glue traps along baseboards and under sinks to catch both adults and newly hatched silverfish.
Essential Oils & Natural Repellents: Silverfish hate the smell of cedar, bay leaves, and citrus oils. Place bay leaves in bookshelves, closets, and storage areas to repel them.

🔹 Step 4: Apply Insecticides for Severe Infestations

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – A natural powder that dehydrates silverfish.
Boric Acid – A highly effective insecticide that poisons silverfish when ingested.
Professional-Grade Silverfish Sprays – Targeted sprays kill silverfish on contact.

If natural methods don’t work, consider hiring a professional pest control service to fully eliminate the problem.

How to Prevent Silverfish from Coming Back

Keep humidity low with dehumidifiers and ventilation.
Store books, clothes, and food in airtight containers.
Vacuum and declutter regularly to eliminate hiding spots.
Use caulk to seal cracks and crevices where silverfish lay eggs.
Inspect secondhand furniture and storage boxes before bringing them inside.

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 wasps and ways to tackle a wasp infestation. Prevention techniques might not be enough if you’re already dealing with an infestation in your home. Our pest control professionals provide a customized solution to protect your home effectively.