Rosemary Leaves

• Rosemary leaves are effective deterrents for silverfish. Place rosemary leaves in places where you have spotted these silvery pests. Silverfish gravitates toward moist areas such as basements and attics. Place leaves along the exterior walls of the attic and in dark corners of basements. The scent of rosemary will send the pests scurrying out of the house. Fresh rosemary leaves work better than dried rosemary from the spice cabinet. Grow rosemary in your garden for an ongoing stock of leaves for your home.
  
  

Costmary Leaves

• Costmary, or Sweet Mary, is often called the Bible leaf or the Bible plant. It was customary to place sprigs of costmary as Bible bookmarks because the minty smell would keep silverfish from damaging the family Bible. Before the government recorded births, marriages and deaths, they were recorded in family Bibles that were passed from generation to generation. Using costmary was the answer to preserving the documented history. Place costmary leaves in the basement, closets and laundry rooms. Also place a few in boxes stored in the attic, as silverfish like to eat away at cardboard.
  
  

Cucumber Peels

• Cucumber peels are said to drive away silverfish. Next time you use a cucumber for a salad, save the peels for your silverfish pest control. The strong smell from the peels deters the insects. Removing the peel with a knife will produce thicker strips, which are more effective than the strips of peel removed with a potato peeler. Place two strips of peel in each spot where you have seen the silverfish, including cabinets and closets. Place a peel on the floor every couple of feet in the basement. Replace the peels when they dry out if you still see silverfish in your home.
  
  

Eucalyptus Oil

• Eucalyptus oil works well in places where clothing is stored. Silverfish can cause damage to fabrics and often find their way into dressers as well as closets. Silverfish leave light brown stains on fabric which many times do not come out in the wash. The insects regularly eat small holes into rayon fabric. Silverfish often attempt to eat cotton and linen but they cannot digest the fabrics. Prevent silverfish from damaging your clothing by wiping eucalyptus oil inside of drawers and cabinets. Purchase pure eucalyptus oil at a natural foods store. Pour the oil onto a soft cloth and thoroughly wipe the wood on the inside of your drawers. Let the oil dry completely before returning your clothing to the drawers.