The Midnight Dart: What to Do When You Spot a Silverfish in Your Home (And How to Gently Evict Them)

moononJuly 20, 2026

The Midnight Dart: What to Do When You Spot a Silverfish in Your Home (And How to Gently Evict Them)

2. Remove the Food Source

Make your home less of a buffet.

Store important papers, documents, and books in plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes.
Keep pantry items (like flour, oats, and pasta) in sealed glass or hard plastic containers.
Vacuum regularly, especially in the corners of rooms, along baseboards, and behind furniture, to remove dust, hair, and potential food particles.

3. Use Natural Repellents

Silverfish have a highly sensitive sense of smell and despise strong, spicy, or woody scents.

Cedar: Place cedar blocks or shavings in closets and drawers.
Citrus: Use lemon or orange essential oils, or leave dried citrus peels in problem areas.
Spices: Cinnamon sticks or bay leaves tucked into pantry shelves work wonders.
Lavender: A few drops of lavender oil on cotton balls tucked in corners will deter them (and make your home smell lovely).

4. Set a Gentle Trap

If you want to reduce their numbers without squishing them, try the classic glass jar trick.

Take a clean glass jar and wrap the outside with masking tape (this gives them a rough surface to climb).
Place a starchy bait inside, like a piece of bread, a dab of flour, or a dry oatmeal cookie.
Leave it against the wall overnight. They will climb the tape to get the food, but they won’t be able to climb back up the smooth glass. In the morning, simply seal the lid and release them outside.

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