The Common Kitchen Ingredient That May Help Keep Silverfish Out Of Your Home

Silverfish on countertop

Silverfish are one of the most frustrating pests to deal with once they have made their way inside your home. The tiny critters can get in through nearly any crack or crevice and typically enter homes to look for food. Unfortunately, they can also sneak into your home in some pretty unexpected ways. For example, you can bring dry food items or boxes into your home with silverfish infestations and unknowingly spread them that way. If you do notice these pests have made themselves at home in your living space, you can use a simple baking soda solution to get rid of the silverfish.

Simply mix equal parts baking soda, water, and honey to create a solution that silverfish will be drawn to. Although the sweet honey appeals to these critters, they may die after consuming the mixed-in baking soda. Place this solution on pieces of cardboard and distribute them throughout your home in areas where you have seen silverfish. It’s worth noting that while numerous pest control companies recommend using baking soda to kill silverfish, there is little scientific research on the method and its effectiveness. Still, this hack may be a great way to keep silverfish away until you can get your home treated by a professional.

How To Use Baking Soda To Kill Silverfish

Baking soda on carpet

Before creating your homemade silverfish poison, you will need to identify the areas around your home where you notice the bugs gathering or entering. This might include corners, windows, doors, near drains, or anywhere else they can enter your home. These are the spots you will need to treat.

Since this solution includes honey that may appeal to other critters, like ants or roaches, you may not want to use this method if you are dealing with such pests. The baking soda may not be an effective way to kill other bugs that consume the DIY poison. This means that they could be drawn to the sweet honey mixture and consume it without it having any negative impact on an infestation.

You can also sprinkle baking soda on your carpet to help treat silverfish infestations. If you notice the bugs have made their way onto an area rug or your carpeted floors, you can let the baking soda sit for a few hours to dry out any silverfish eggs. Keep in mind that there is limited research into whether baking soda actually kills the eggs, but professionals state it does dry them out. Vacuum the baking soda and any dried eggs or silverfish out of the carpet after you have given it time to work.

How To Prevent Silverfish From Entering Your Home

Silverfish on wood

In addition to solving an existing silverfish problem, you should also take the steps needed to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. They enjoy foods high in starch and sugar, such as cereal, pasta, flour, and other pantry items. Keep these foods tightly sealed to keep silverfish out. Inspect your pantry to identify any boxes or containers that might already be contaminated with the bugs so that you can toss them.

Silverfish also enjoy gathering in dark, moist spaces. Check under your kitchen and bathroom sinks to ensure there are no leaks that could be attracting the critters. These bugs are even attracted to paper and cardboard items. If you notice silverfish in your home, you might need to get rid of any old cardboard boxes you have. Keep any loose papers stored in a folder, binder, or any other place where silverfish cannot easily gain access to them. Finally, silverfish can eat dirt particles when they get hungry enough, so make sure to clean your living space frequently. Pay special attention to nooks and crannies that might collect dust and grime.

Read the original article on House Digest