So getting rid of silverfish and spiders that have invaded your humble home is a priority, and you’re not impressed that they decided to visit in the first place.  Don’t worry – getting rid of these insects may be an inconvenience, but it’s doable.  Here are the tips you need to get rid of them once and for all.

Before you try getting rid of silverfish and spiders, you need to know this

Silverfish love moist, dark environments with moderate temperatures – so nothing too hot, or too cold.

Spiders, much like silverfish, also like dark places.  However, some species enjoy moist habitats, while others like things to be drier.

Both of them can get into your home via cracks, torn window screens, and gaps around windows and doors.

More silverfish and spider facts

Silverfish are nocturnal creatures that are most active at night – because of this, they often aren’t detected until a homeowner finds a dead one lying around.  They reproduce fast, and feed on wallpaper, clothes, and even cardboard!

The good news about spiders is that they feast on other insects, including silverfish. So although they’re not pleasant to live with, unlike silverfish, at least they have some usefulness.

How to get rid of silverfish and spiders

Although there are some DIY methods to control these insects, they are all too often ineffective – leaving you with temporary relief, followed by a resurgence of their population.

That being said, if you want to try to do it yourself, here is what you should focus on.  First, clean up any areas that they may be hiding in.  Clear away clutter, dust, get rid of excess moisture in the air with a dehumidifier (helps with silverfish in particular, particularly if you can get it under 50%), ventilate your home well, vacuum crevices and cracks around your home frequently (gets rid of their eggs), and keep food sources (for silverfish) out of reach.

Next, purchase an insecticide that has a residual effect for a few weeks or months – spray around the exterior of your home (foundation wall) to create a perimeter that will kill them if they cross it in an attempt to gain access to the interior of your dwelling.  For maximum effectiveness, you should also create an interior insecticide perimeter.  Another tactic that can help is to sprinkle some insecticide bait in select areas – be sure that any bait is out of reach from pets, small children or anyone else who won’t know to keep away from it.

If you want to try a natural solution first, you could try using rosemary, peppermint, lavender, or citrus oil as a spider repellent.  Mix about 6 drops of oil with 16 ounces of water, plus a drop of dishwashing liquid soap.  Spray this in any areas that you think insects may be using to access your home.

Silverfish are also thought to be repelled by certain oils, namely citrus and lavender.  Another strategy that sometimes helps is rolling up damp newspaper and using it as a trap that you leave out overnight.  In the morning, if all goes according to plan, the newspaper will be full of silverfish and you can dispose of them all by burning the newspaper or putting them in an outdoor trash bin.

Last, but not least – as you fight the battle against these annoying insects, be sure to seal any gaps and cracks around your home to minimize the odds of a new infestation.

Getting rid of silverfish and spiders can be done!

If you follow the above steps, you’ll definitely cut down on the number of spiders and silverfish living in your home.  But remember to keep a close eye on the situation.  If you notice that they keep coming back, it’s strongly recommended that you call a professional to deal with the silverfish or spider problem once and for all.

If you’re in the Burlington, Oakville, Milton or Hamilton area and require insect control services, contact the pros at Halton Wildlife and Pest Control! We won’t let pests push you around :)