The Popular Appliance That Can Banish Pesky Silverfish From Your Home

Bugs and insects usually find their way into our homes because we're offering up resources they want — food, water, or the perfect habitat. For silverfish (Lespisma sacchrina), the silvery, grayish insect that somewhat resembles a fish, that ideal environment is humid and moist. They thrive in places like bathrooms, attics, garages, crawlspaces, and basements, but you've probably also seen them crawling along the top edges of walls near the ceiling. That's because hot air rises, creating a warm, cozy hangout spot. Cracks and crevices are also prime real estate for them, and a favorite spot for females to lay their eggs.

The good news is that there's one accessible, affordable appliance that can help banish silverfish from your home: a dehumidifier. The main purpose of a dehumidifier is to reduce moisture in the air and lower humidity levels, with units starting at around $20. By reducing moisture levels, it makes your space far less inviting for silverfish and encourages them to move out for good. While silverfish don't bite or pose a direct threat, they're still a nuisance and can damage household items, which is why you'll want to get rid of them quickly. They enjoy munching on fabrics and follow a starchy, protein-rich diet that includes oats, flour, pasta, and even glue. That means your vintage magazines, old books, clothing, and keepsakes could all be at risk. Even worse, silverfish reproduce fast. Females can lay one to three eggs a day, and with a lifespan of up to three years, they can stick around for quite a while if left unaddressed.

As silverfish thrive in warm, humid environments, placing a dehumidifier in the areas they're most attracted to can help prevent them from moving in (or encourage them to move out!). This includes attics, garages, basements, laundries, and even bathrooms. Regularly running a dehumidifier keeps humidity levels low, which not only discourages the pests from entering but can also get rid of any silverfish that may already be inside. 

Since silverfish typically prefer temperatures between 72 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels of 50% to 75%, you'll want to dehumidify your home to well below that range with the help of a dehumidifier. You should also seal cracks and crevices, fix any leaky pipes or drains, and eliminate damp or moldy areas inside or around your home, as these can all attract silverfish. And one more tip. Remember to keep all your nonperishable flours and starches in tightly sealed containers to make your home even less appealing to these pests. Finally, you might want to solve your silverfish problem even more with a common household essential found in your pantry.