BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM

As the days get shorter and the weather turns damp and chilly, silverfish tend to become more active indoors. These tiny, slithery insects are drawn to warm, humid spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. And while they don’t bite or spread disease, silverfish can still be a nuisance, known for damaging books, wallpaper, and even dry pantry goods.

The simple household item that traps silverfish fast

According to entomologists, there’s a remarkably simple and sustainable solution to a silverfish problem: a rolled-up, slightly damp newspaper.

“Silverfish congregate in damp, warm environments, preferring humidity above 75 percent and temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit,” explains Dr. Tracy Ellis, award-winning entomologist at FarmSense. A rolled and moistened newspaper placed in these kinds of spots provides a perfect haven.

Why? Because newspaper is made from cellulose, and silverfish love to eat it. “Silverfish scrape apart the cellulose fibers of the paper with their mouthparts and digest them using specialized gut enzymes capable of breaking down cellulose,” Ellis says.

How to use the newspaper method effectively

This clever trick couldn’t be easier. Take an old newspaper, lightly dampen it with water, and roll it up. Secure it with a rubber band or string to hold the shape. Then place it in a spot where you’ve seen silverfish activity, such as under a bathroom sink, behind the toilet, or along basement walls.

Leave the paper overnight. By morning, curious and hungry silverfish may have made their way inside. All you need to do then is remove the newspaper and dispose of it (without unrolling).

You can repeat this process a few nights in a row to help reduce the number of pests, especially in problem areas.

Why this method is so effective

Not only is this technique free and natural, but it also avoids introducing harsh chemicals into your home. That makes it especially ideal for households with pets, children, or sensitive skin. And unlike sprays or traps, you don’t need to worry about lingering fumes or residue.

Better yet, it turns something you were going to throw away anyway into a tool for keeping your home a little more comfortable.

Make it part of your seasonal cleaning routine

As you get ready for Thanksgiving hosting and holiday prep, this easy trick can help you stay ahead of pest issues in high-humidity areas. Add it to your fall cleaning checklist along with other eco-friendly hacks like sealing gaps, managing moisture, and decluttering hidden spaces.

It might not be glamorous, but this humble newspaper hack is proof that sometimes the simplest solutions really are the most effective.