Dealing with flying insects like flies can be challenging enough, but when you add the presence of silverfish creeping around in your kitchen, it becomes even more unbearable. These nocturnal critters are not dangerous, but they are incredibly annoying. They tend to appear in wet areas in search of food, which is why you often find them in your pantry, rummaging through your bag of flour, rice, or cereal. However, they can also infest your basement and bathroom. If your home is infested with silverfish, don’t worry. There are certain odors that repel them, and here are some effective methods to deter them safely.
Are silverfish harmful?
The downside of silverfish is that they are primarily active at night, avoid light, and hide in cracks, making them difficult to spot. They are particularly fond of warm and humid places, which is why you may find them in your bathroom and kitchen. While they primarily feed on sugar and starch, they can eat almost anything, including books, newspapers, fabrics, and even dead insects.
Although silverfish are not harmful to humans and do not sting, bite, or transmit diseases, their presence in your home can be problematic. They can cause significant damage, such as making holes in wallpaper, clothes, and books. If you notice holes and small yellow spots, it’s a clear sign that silverfish have been there. Additionally, having a horde of silver beetles marching through your pantry or bathroom is hardly desirable. Luckily, silverfish are highly sensitive to certain smells, and by using the right ingredients, you can quickly drive them away without resorting to chemical insecticides. A few aromatic herbs and spices can do the trick!
Cloves to keep silverfish away
Cloves can be a reliable solution to repel silverfish. While we may enjoy the delicate and calming scent of this spice, silverfish despise it. The eugenol contained in cloves repels many insects. To keep silverfish away, sprinkle some cloves in the bathroom. Place cloves in small bowls and position them in front of doors or in corners of your house that may be infested by silverfish. This natural insect repellent will effectively solve your infestation problem. You can also place cloves in small bags and put them in the closets of your house. With a few aromatic herbs and spices, you can keep these insects away without using chemical insecticides.
Cinnamon to repel silverfish
The heady scent of cinnamon may be delightful to us, but it’s a real nuisance for silverfish. Take advantage of this pleasant aroma to drive away these unwanted pests. Place cinnamon sticks in strategic locations throughout your living rooms. Alternatively, you can use cinnamon powder in small bowls and position them in infested corners. Remember to replace the cinnamon weekly or whenever you feel it is losing its effectiveness.
Lavender essential oil to repel silverfish
Lavender essential oil is not only great for eliminating bad odors and promoting relaxation, but it’s also an effective weapon against silverfish. Here’s a simple remedy to keep them out of your home: Mix a teaspoon of lavender essential oil with a cup of water. Pour this solution into a spray bottle and spray it in high-risk areas. Applying this remedy once a day will help you get rid of these insects for good.
Baking soda to keep silverfish away
Lastly, baking soda is a versatile ingredient that can help you banish silverfish from your home. While it is commonly used for cleaning, it also works wonders for repelling these pests. Simply add some baking soda to the water when you clean the floor or shelves. After a few days of cleaning, you’ll notice that these unwanted tenants have found a new place to reside. Baking soda is a powerful ally in keeping silverfish away.
Good to know: Contrary to popular belief, bleach is not effective in repelling silverfish. In fact, silverfish are attracted to the smell of bleach, so using it frequently will only make them more likely to stay in your house!
