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How to Get Rid of Silverfish Naturally

How to Get Rid of Silverfish Naturally

Silverfish are tiny, wingless insects with silver scale bodies. While they may look a little creepy they are actually harmless to humans and pets. They can however cause harm to books, wallpaper, clothing, and anything else that contains starch including dry foods.

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Silverfish are often found in dark damp corners of the bathroom, basement, inside closets, dressers, and bookshelves. 


To help prevent silverfish from entering your home in the first place use chaulk to seal any crevices or cracks. Investing in a good dehumidifier will also help as these insects 
like to stay around dark, damp areas. By using a humidifier, the humidity level will reduce causing the bugs to want to leave. 

If you are already seeing silverfish inside your home do not worry. The following are twelve natural ways to get rid of silverfish naturally.

1. Citrus fruit peels

This is one of the most effective ways to get rid of silverfish naturally. Silverfish can't stand the smell of citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges. The next time you have fruit simply keep the peels instead of throwing them in the garbage. Place the peels in corners and any areas affected. Replace the old peels with fresh ones until you no longer see any of these insects.

2. Diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth has a similar resemblance to flour. It is actually crushed sedimentary rock. Simply dust the infected areas of your home with the substance and wait. Silverfish are not at all attracted to diatomaceous earth. If they do come in contact with it they will dehydrate and die.

3. Table salt or epsom salt

Both table salt and epsom salt works very similarly as diatomaceous earth. It too leaves these insects dehydrated. Sprinkle salt directly over them and also in areas where you have noticed them the most. 

This remedy make take a few days to work but can get rid of these insects effectively and naturally.

4. Baking soda and honey 

Take equal parts of water, baking soda, and honey and create a mixture. Put the mixture on small pieces of hard cardboard and place in areas where you have seen silverfish. This method is especially effective in tight spots such as behind books on a bookshelf.

5. Spices

Silverfish do not like the smell of bay leaves, cloves, rosemary, or sage. Put any of these spices in a sachet and place them where you have seen these insects. 

6. Cucumber

Silverfish hate the smell of cucumbers and become repelled by its presence. Peel some cucumbers and place the peels where you see them such as closets, dresser drawers, cabinets, and bathrooms. Replace the peels with fresh ones every few days or as soon as the smell fades.

7. Moth balls

Moth balls also known as naphthalene balls can be effective in getting rid of silverfish. Place moth balls in area 

 

 a spray bottle with water and add about 10 to 15 drops of oil. Spray the inside of the bathroom vanity, baseboards, outside surfaces of appliances and dark corners. You can also spritz the air in bathrooms and basements.

10. Boric acid

Boric acid powder is a natural insecticide that sticks to the legs of silverfish and is taken back to the nest. Works well for treating hard to reach places.

11. Cedar shavings

Cedar oil is an ingredient in many insecticides. An added bonus of using cedar shavings for the control of silverfish is that they make your home smell amazing. Place shavings in infested areas or use cedar oil spray for hard  to reach surfaces.

12. Oatmeal trap

Cover a tall glass with twine and put some dry oatmeal inside to attract silverfish. They can get into the jar but not back out. Check your trap daily, empty and start again.


How to Get Rid of Silverfish Naturally

Do you know of any other ways to get rid of silverfish naturally. 


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