This article was co-authored by Luke Lewis. Luke Lewis is a Pest Management Expert and the Founder and President of Native Pest Management. Luke has led his company for over 7 years and specializes in pet-friendly and eco-friendly pest control, termite control, and lawn care. Native Pest Management was named as one of Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest growing companies in America. Luke holds both BS and MS degrees from the University of Florida and is a graduate of UF's Pest Management University.
There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Silverfish don't tend to get everywhere and eat everything like some more obnoxious pests, but...chewing at your childhood copy of Wizard of Oz? You just can't let that kind of personal attack happen in your own home. Using natural repellents and DIY approaches will help get rid of these pests.
Here are 11 natural ways to keep silverfish away from all of your books.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do I deter silverfish from my home?Luke LewisLuke Lewis is a Pest Management Expert and the Founder and President of Native Pest Management. Luke has led his company for over 7 years and specializes in pet-friendly and eco-friendly pest control, termite control, and lawn care. Native Pest Management was named as one of Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest growing companies in America. Luke holds both BS and MS degrees from the University of Florida and is a graduate of UF's Pest Management University.
Pest Management ExpertTry to get rid of any old cardboard boxes or papers that you have lying around since they'll attract more silverfish. -
QuestionIs baking soda toxic to silverfish?BabygalkittenCommunity AnswerYes, baking soda is toxic to silverfish, but if you want a higher risk of them dead then use honey. Make sure that the honey is mixed up with the baking soda.
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QuestionCan I use peppermint oil on silverfish?Community AnswerYes. You can dab a bit of peppermint oil on a few cotton balls and stick them between books or bookcases. Or, you can mix one part peppermint oil to 10 parts of water, put the mixture in a spray bottle and spray where there are silverfish.
Reader Videos
Tips
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Are you sure you've got silverfish? Firebrats are very similar insects, but their bodies are a shiny mottled grey or brown instead of the shiny silver or pearl grey of silverfish.[28] Don't worry—almost all of the advice in this article still applies. The only important difference is that firebrats will flock to sources of heat like furnaces or hot water pipes, while silverfish prefer slightly cooler, damp places like basements.[29]Thanks
Warnings
- Silverfish can live for months without eating, and their eggs can stay dormant for six weeks in cold weather.[30] Keep the area clean for a good long time after you think you've seen the last of the critters.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/can-lemon-peels-really-keep-ants-away-243800
- ↑ https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/9/6/811/htm
- ↑ https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/___-Limonene#section=Plant-Concentrations
- ↑ https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/___-Limonene#section=Plant-Concentrations
- ↑ https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/___-Limonene#section=Plant-Concentrations
- ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/ingredients/how-to-buy-and-store-mint-peppermint-spearmint-article
- ↑ https://homesteadandchill.com/emulsify-neem-oil-spray/
- ↑ https://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/safety
- ↑ https://www.redlandcitybulletin.com.au/story/1370795/using-herbs-to-get-rid-of-silverfish/
- ↑ https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/___-Limonene#section=Plant-Concentrations
- ↑ https://www.nap.edu/read/1924/chapter/6
- ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317091110_Silverfish_If_they_are_not_fish_and_they_are_not_really_silver_what_are_they
- ↑ https://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/safety
- ↑ https://housewifehowtos.com/clean/how-to-get-rid-of-silverfish-and-keep-them-away/
- ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317091110_Silverfish_If_they_are_not_fish_and_they_are_not_really_silver_what_are_they
- ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317091110_Silverfish_If_they_are_not_fish_and_they_are_not_really_silver_what_are_they
- ↑ https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7475.html
- ↑ https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/degen.html
- ↑ https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/boricgen.html
- ↑ https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7475.html
- ↑ https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/pyrethrins.html
- ↑ https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7475.html
- ↑ https://idl.entomology.cornell.edu/wp-content/uploads/Silverfish-and-Firebrats.pdf
- ↑ https://idl.entomology.cornell.edu/wp-content/uploads/Silverfish-and-Firebrats.pdf
- ↑ https://idl.entomology.cornell.edu/wp-content/uploads/Silverfish-and-Firebrats.pdf
- ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317091110_Silverfish_If_they_are_not_fish_and_they_are_not_really_silver_what_are_they
- ↑ https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/___-Limonene#section=Natural-Pollution-Sources
- ↑ https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7475.html
- ↑ https://idl.entomology.cornell.edu/wp-content/uploads/Silverfish-and-Firebrats.pdf
- ↑ https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7475.html
About This Article
Reader Success Stories
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"Tried thyme and lavender with mixed results. My book collection is stored in a separate structure without climate control. I've had very good success with diatomacious earth. It's made from ground up micro-organisms that are like sediment that form coral, very sharp edges that will cut the insect's feet. Used in outdoor gardens to organically control insects. Dust every surface that they crawl on. 100% success for nearly 2 years since applications. Downside to some is you must leave the dust. "..." more