How to repel silverfish using scents and smells

Abell Pest Control

Silverfish may seem like a harmless pest, especially when you don't know they exist. However, they can become a large problem when there is an immense amount of them crawling around your basement. Some people may be frightened by the silverfish based on their odd appearance and quick, unexpected movements. Luckily, there are a few scents that keep silverfish away. Consider these tips to repel silverfish.

Why silverfish like homes

Silverfish are not the biggest fans of humans. So why do they end up in homes? Most of the time, their arrival is accidental. Silverfish are attracted to various types of paper, such as newspaper, cardboard, poster board and so on, the University of California, Davis stated. They also like textiles, including cotton, silk, and viscose, and will feed on them, leaving holes behind. Silverfish's ideal environment is moist, but they'll tolerate dry areas if paper or textiles are within reach. Silverfish usually are brought into homes in a box or newspaper and begin to try and adapt. They often end up in the basement, but also are found in damp bathrooms or in a cabinet underneath a leaky sink. Though they don't mean to end up in a house, they tend to propagate quickly, terrifying homeowners when they notice several small pests darting around their home.

Pest Control Tips

Use these scents to prevent silverfish from making their way into your home.

  • Lavender: Silverfish strongly dislike the scent of lavender and may view it as poisonous. Use lavender oil, which is very potent. Dilute it with a little water and place it in a spray bottle, The Laundress noted. Spray areas of the home that may be vulnerable to silverfish, such as a linen closet, corners of a rug, or cabinets and bathrooms. Silverfish will try to find their way out of the house and your home will have a nice scent to it.

  • Cedar: This is another smell silverfish don't appreciate. Cedar can also keep certain areas dry. Grab a few cedar blocks or strips and place them in areas that might be desirable to silverfish. Cedar isn't a strong scent, which means it will irritate them without irritating you.

  • Cloves: This is a third smell that silverfish don't like and can be found in most spice racks. Be sure to use whole cloves, as that is much more potent than the ground kind, the Dollar Stretcher stated. Scatter the cloves around the home in various places that you believe a silverfish may want to go. They'll get a whiff of the cloves and will head in the other direction.


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