When it comes to silverfish, natural remedies work incredibly well. You can use essential oils for silver fish removal. Essential oils are one of the best ways to get rid of bugs like silverfish.
Getting Rid of Silverfish Naturally
Silverfish are actually not fish. They are insects that are aptly named so because of their silvery coloring and their fluid movements that resemble fish.
It’s not uncommon to have a silverfish problem, especially in moist areas with 75% – 80% humidity. Silverfish are also rampant in urban areas, hanging out in the basement, attic, bathrooms and moist cupboards.
Silverfish are classified as pests because they are capable of destroying property. They consume starches and dextrin found in glues and adhesives. This is why silverfish can destroy book bindings, wallpaper and photos in order to consume the paste. They are also fond of destroying linen, silk, carpets and other items of clothing.
The conventional method of getting rid of silverfish is by using pesticides containing permethrin and deltamethrin. The trouble with these pesticides is that as much as they are harmful to silverfish, they also pose health hazards to us, our children and our pets.
Luckily it is so easy to get rid of silverfish using natural remedies such as essential oils!
How Do Essential Oils Help Remove Silverfish?
Essential oils are potent plant extracts that are rich in healing properties that make them great for many health ailments. But what’s interesting is that essential oils are also rich in natural pesticides and insect repelling compounds.
While essential oils smell highly aromatic and pleasant to us, their scents are detested by many household pests like silver fish and act as a natural deterrent.
One silverfish can lay up to 100 eggs a year so it is important to make sure that these eggs are destroyed before they hatch. Essential oils applied on cracks and crevices where silverfish lay their eggs is a very efficient method and killing the eggs and preventing them from hatching.
Top 10 Essential Oils for Silverfish Extermination
Here are the top 10 essential oils that silverfish hate!
1. Lavender (where to get it)
2. Cinnamon (where to get it)
3. Clove (where to get it)
4. Basil (where to get it)
5. Peppermint (where to get it)
6. Rosemary (where to get it)
7. Tea tree (where to get it)
8. Orange (where to get it)
9. Lime (where to get it)
10. Lemon (where to get it)
These essential oils can also get rid of earwigs, spiders and house centipedes, which prey on silverfish as a source of food.
How to Use Essential Oils for Silverfish
You can use essential oils by pouring them directly into cracks and crevices where silverfish lay their eggs. You can also make essential oil sachets and place them in bookshelves, drawers, closets and linen cupboards to deter silver fish.
By far, one of the best ways to use essential oils for silverfish eradication is this DIY silverfish spray that works wonders in getting rid of this household pest.
» DIY Silverfish Spray
It’s easy to make a handy silverfish spray that can keep these slithery pests at bay while leaving your house smelling fresh and lovely.
What you need:
- 8 oz spray bottle (where to get it)
- ¼ cup of white vinegar (where to get it)
- ½ cup of distilled water (where to get it)
- 10 drops of cedarwood oil (where to get it)
- 10 drops of cinnamon oil (where to get it)
- 10 drops of orange oil (where to get it)
- 5 drops of lemon oil (where to get it)
Method:
- Pour in the vinegar and essential oils into the spray bottle and shake to get the essential oils emulsified.
- Then top up with the distilled water and shake again to put the spray together.
- Now spray on bathroom cabinets, shower area, basement and attic.
- Spray daily for at least 2 weeks straight.
Other Natural Remedies for Silverfish
Other natural ways to get rid of silverfish without using toxic chemicals include:
» Diatomaceous earth – This natural clay contains razor sharp edges that make small cuts on silverfish as they pass by. This eventually dehydrates silverfish and causes them to die. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on all areas where silverfish are likely to be found including under the sink, in the pantry and musty cupboards. Diatomaceous earth may be irritating if inhaled and should be sprinkled at a safe distance away from your face. It is non-toxic to humans and pets.
» Glass jar trap – Silverfish are agile runners but they cannot climb smooth surfaces. Make a jar trap by placing bait such as cotton balls, cereal and newspaper shavings at the bottom of the jar. Now wrap the outside of the jar with masking tape, which will help the silverfish climb up the jar. Once they fall inside, they will feed but be unable to climb back out due to the slippery glass.
» Essential oil sachets – Protect your clothing, linen, fabrics, binded books, photo albums and photos from being devored by silverfish. Make aromatic essential oil sachets by filling small cloth sachets with herbs and spices such as clove, dried lavender flowers, mint leaves and cinnamon. Sprinkle 8 – 10 drops of lemon/basil or rosemary essential oil into the sachet. Place these sachets in bookshelves, drawers, closets and cupboards, to deter silverfish.
What natural remedies and essential oils do you use to keep silverfish and other insects away?