Tips to get rid of the “silverfish” from our box forever

Silverfish are stubborn, but you can get rid of them for good by combining elimination + prevention. Here’s what actually works:

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1. Empty & Treat the Box (Critical First Step)

Silverfish often lay eggs inside boxes.

• Remove everything from the box

• Vacuum thoroughly (corners, seams, flaps)

• Immediately seal and discard the vacuum bag or empty into an outdoor trash bin

• If the box is cardboard → consider replacing it (cardboard is one of their favorite foods)

👉 If you must keep the box, switch to plastic bins with tight lids

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2. Kill What’s There (Fast + Effective)

Choose one or combine for best results:

🔹 Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade)

• Lightly dust inside corners, seams, and around the box

• It kills silverfish by dehydrating them

• Safe for humans & pets when food-grade

• Leave for several days

🔹 Boric Acid (Very Effective)

• Sprinkle a thin layer where silverfish hide

• Do NOT use where pets or kids can access

• Works long-term

🔹 Sticky Traps

• Place inside and near the box

• Helps monitor and reduce population

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3. Remove Their Food Sources

Silverfish eat:

• Paper & cardboard

• Glue

• Fabrics (especially cotton)

• Crumbs & starches

Do this:

• Store papers, books, and clothes in sealed plastic containers

• Keep the area crumb-free

• Avoid storing items directly on the floor

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4. Control Moisture (This Is HUGE)

Silverfish thrive in humidity.

• Keep humidity below 50%

• Use a dehumidifier if needed

• Fix leaks

• Increase airflow (fans, vents)

If moisture stays high, they will come back.

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5. Seal Entry Points

• Caulk cracks along baseboards, walls, and corners

• Seal gaps around pipes

• Repair loose wallpaper or peeling paint

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6. Natural Repellents (Helpful but Not Enough Alone)

Use these as backups, not the main solution:

• Cedar blocks

• Bay leaves

• Cinnamon sticks

• Lavender oil on cotton balls

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7. Long-Term Storage Rule (Best Prevention)

For anything stored long-term:
✅ Plastic bins
✅ Tight lids
❌ Cardboard boxes

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If They Keep Returning

That usually means:

• Hidden moisture

• Nearby cardboard or paper stash

• Eggs already laid nearby

In that case, treating the entire room, not just the box, is key.

If you want, tell me:

• Where the box is stored (closet, basement, garage, bathroom)

• Whether it’s cardboard or plastic
  and I’ll tailor the solution exactly to your situation.