Think Twice Before Using Vinegar To Get Rid Of Silverfish In The House

You get home and prepare to settle down for a quiet evening when you spot a small, silvery creature scuttling across your bathroom floor. Your heart skips a beat as you realize it's a silverfish. These pesky insects, with their sleek, silvery bodies and rapid movements, aren't exactly the type of creature you'd want lurking in your home, so you're probably ready to try a popular natural bug repellent touted for silverfish control: vinegar. While vinegar may have some temporary success in repelling silverfish due to its strong odor, it falls short as a long-term solution. 

Vinegar, specifically white vinegar, emits a strong smell that can deter silverfish temporarily. However, it won't address the root causes of the infestation, namely moisture or humidity, viable hiding spots, and plentiful food sources — factors that provide ideal conditions for silverfish to thrive. Using vinegar won't eliminate the entire population either — especially when silverfish are already scattered all over your home. Silverfish are notorious for their destructive habits. They feed on starchy materials like paper, cardboard, clothing, glue, and even fiberglass insulation. This means they can wreak havoc on your books, important documents, clothing, wallpaper, and anything that contains carbs or protein. Not to mention the psychological distress they can cause by simply being creepy crawlies inhabiting your living space, so you want them gone, and fast. But since silverfish are resilient creatures and can adapt to odors over time, relying solely on vinegar won't get rid of these pests for good.

Instead of relying on the temporary fix vinegar provides, you can apply tried-and-tested methods of getting rid of silverfish, such as using diatomaceous earth (DE), salt, boric acid, and simple preventive housekeeping tips. DE is a natural substance that can be sprinkled in areas where you've seen silverfish. When they come into contact with DE, it can damage their exoskeleton and eventually dehydrate them. Salt has a similar drying effect on silverfish; just make sure you sprinkle pure salt in their hiding places. Boric acid is another natural substance that's effective against silverfish. It works by disrupting their digestive system when they ingest it. Sprinkle it in areas where silverfish hide, such as cracks and crevices. However, since boric acid is toxic, consider other solutions if you have pets or small children. 

Seal entry points with caulk as silverfish often enter homes through cracks and gaps. Reduce moisture by fixing leaks and using dehumidifiers, especially in basements and bathrooms. And since silverfish are attracted to crumbs, food residue, and paper products, declutter and clean your home regularly to eliminate potential food sources. Consider professional pest control services if you already have a severe infestation. Professional exterminators have the knowledge, experience, and access to specialized products that can target silverfish and their hiding spots effectively. More importantly, they can implement a customized treatment plan to ensure your silverfish problem is eliminated once and for all.