Do silverfish traps work? The honest answer

"Do those traps actually work?" It is the most honest question to ask before spending money on silverfish control — so here is a straight answer, including what the research says and when traps are not enough on their own.

What the research actually says

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has studied grey silverfish more than anyone in the Nordics. Their finding: traps alone rarely wipe out a large established population quickly.

What traps are recognised for is being the best poison-free way to steadily reduce numbers — and to document how many you have and whether things are improving. That is precisely why professional pest controllers use traps as a standard part of any silverfish programme, rather than as a gimmick.

We would rather tell you that plainly than oversell. Our traps were developed with Norwegian researchers and catch using a poison-free, oil-based attractant — and we back them with a catch guarantee.

Why pitfall traps beat the alternatives

Four reasons they keep working

• Poison-free and safe. No chemicals in the house — which matters with children, pets or food nearby.
• No resistance. Insects develop tolerance to pesticides and learn to avoid sticky traps. They cannot outsmart a pitfall.
• Documentation. The catch cup shows in black and white whether the problem is shrinking.
• Cheap to run. The trap lasts years — only the cup with attractant is replaced.

How to get the most out of them

1. Place traps along skirting boards and walls, never in open floor space
2. Use enough — one per affected room minimum, more where activity is heavy
3. Remove cardboard and paper storage from floors
4. Vacuum regularly and empty the bag outside
5. Give it 2–3 weeks before judging the result

Frequently asked questions