A Natural Repellent for Silverfish

Silverfish are common pests in basements, attics, closets, bookshelves, storage rooms and bathrooms. Although they may cause damage to books and fabrics, they are harmless and are not known to transfer disease. Still, their presence isn't exactly comforting.

Habits and Preferences

In nature, silverfish usually live under rocks and tree bark, or in animal nesting areas. They tend to be most active at night. According to the University of Missouri Extension, silverfish are particularly drawn to homes with wooden shingles.

Natural Controls

The most natural way to control silverfish is to isolate and eliminate their habitat. To begin, try to catch a silverfish in action and identify which species it is. This will help to find its habitat. Once you have isolated the source of the problem, eliminate it. The most common cause of silverfish infestations is excessive moisture, so get rid of any leaks or standing water in the infested area.

Other Controls

Diatomaceous earth is one natural repellent for silverfish. Although other common chemicals for silverfish control are not 100 percent natural, they are relatively harmless. According to the Iowa State University Extension, boric acid is one control that has very low toxicity levels.

References

• University of Missouri Extension: Silverfish and Firebrats
• West Virginia University Extension Service: Silverfish
• Iowa State University Extension: Silverfish: They Are Silver, But They're Not Fish