How to Safely Kill Silverfish
The silverfish is a type of wingless bug given its name due to its silver color. The insect feeds upon starches and sugar and is attracted to household items such as book bindings and paper. The silverfish can cause damage to your books, photos and similar items. Take steps to kill silverfish while exercising health precautions to ensure your personal safety while eradicating this pest. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Water glass
- Masking tape
- Sugar
- Boric acid
- Food-grade diatomaceous earth
Instructions
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How to Safely Kill Silverfish
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Build a nontoxic homemade silverfish trap. Wrap the outside of a standard drinking glass with masking tape to create a rough surface that the silverfish can climb. Fill the glass halfway with water. Add two to three tablespoons of sugar to the water.
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Set the glass in an area in which you have noticed silverfish. The insects may congregate near bookshelves, as well as in bathrooms near shampoo and soap products. The sugar in the glass will attract the silverfish, which will climb up the outside of the glass and fall into the water inside. The insects will die because they cannot climb back out.
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Use boric acid, a relatively low-toxic powder, to kill the silverfish. Sprinkle a thin layer of the powder in any area experiencing a silverfish infestation. Also dust the dark, secluded areas that silverfish may hide in, such as under sinks and behind appliances. Boric acid is lethal to the insects upon contact. Administer the acid once every two to three weeks to prevent reinfestations.
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Dust food-grade diatomaceous earth in problem areas as a nontoxic alternative to boric acid. Apply as you would boric acid. The powder is not directly lethal to silverfish, but it will cut their exoskeleton and kill them over time.
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Tips & Warnings
Protect stored papers, magazines and books from silverfish by storing the items in sealed plastic containers. This also helps to remove major sources of attractants and food, helping to lower and minimize your current silverfish population.
Avoid inhaling the boric acid or diatomaceous earth.
