Homemade Spray for Silverfish (Simple, Cheap, and Weirdly Satisfying)
Silverfish. The Olympic athletes of the bug world. They don’t bite, they don’t sting, but they do zoom out of nowhere at 2 a.m. and make you question every life choice.
And since they love paper, glue, and damp corners, your bathroom, basement, or book collection might already be their favorite Airbnb.
Good news: you don’t need a cabinet full of toxic sprays to send them packing. You can make your own silverfish spray at home with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s break down how to make it, why it works, and how to use it without accidentally marinating your entire house.
Why Go Homemade Instead of Store-Bought?
First things first: why even bother mixing your own spray?
- Cheaper: Most DIY sprays cost pennies compared to commercial ones.
- Safer: Store-bought sprays often smell like you’re fumigating for aliens. Homemade = less harsh on you, your pets, and your nose.
- Customizable: You get to choose the scent and strength.
- Satisfying: Honestly, there’s something fun about spraying bugs with something you whipped up in your own kitchen.
The Science-y Part (Why This Works)
Silverfish are sensitive little creatures. Not emotionally (obviously), but chemically. They hate strong smells, acidic environments, and drying agents. DIY sprays target these weaknesses by:
- Using essential oils (like lavender, citrus, cedarwood) that silverfish find repulsive.
- Adding a bit of vinegar, which changes the pH and creates a hostile environment for them.
- Including alcohol or soap to break down their waxy exoskeletons and dry them out.
Translation? Your spray doesn’t just scare them away—it makes your home way less bug-friendly.
Recipe 1: Essential Oil Spray (Simple & Effective)
This is the easiest one, and it smells way better than store-bought bug spray.
What you’ll need:
- 1 spray bottle (16 oz is perfect)
- 2 cups water
- 10–15 drops lavender oil (repels silverfish and smells relaxing)
- 10–15 drops lemon or orange oil (citrus = bug kryptonite)
- 5–10 drops cedarwood oil (they hate it, trust me)
- A splash of dish soap (helps oils mix with water)
How to make it:
- Fill your spray bottle with water.
- Add the essential oils.
- Add a tiny drop of dish soap.
- Shake well before each use (oils and water like to break up—don’t let them).
How to use it:
- Spray around baseboards, bookshelves, under sinks, and anywhere you’ve spotted silverfish.
- Reapply every few days or after cleaning.
Bonus: Your house will smell like a spa instead of a bug motel.
Recipe 2: Vinegar & Citrus Spray
If essential oils aren’t your thing (or your budget), vinegar’s got your back.
What you’ll need:
- 1 spray bottle
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- Peel of 1 lemon or orange (optional, for extra punch)
How to make it:
- Mix vinegar and water in the spray bottle.
- If using citrus peel, let it steep in the mixture for 24 hours before spraying.
- Shake before use.
How to use it:
- Spray along cracks, corners, and damp areas.
- Silverfish hate vinegar’s acidity, and citrus adds a one-two punch.
Yes, vinegar smells at first, but it fades. (And it’s still better than the smell of a bug infestation.)
Recipe 3: Alcohol & Essential Oil Blend
Alcohol doesn’t just repel—it dries silverfish out. Brutal, but effective.
What you’ll need:
- 1 spray bottle
- 1 cup rubbing alcohol (70% or higher)
- 1 cup water
- 15 drops lavender, cedar, or citrus oil
How to make it:
- Mix alcohol and water in the bottle.
- Add essential oils.
- Shake before use.
How to use it:
- Spray directly on silverfish if you see them (bye-bye, bug).
- Use along common hiding spots.
Just don’t go overboard—alcohol can dry out surfaces too.
Where to Spray (Aim Matters)
Spraying the middle of your living room floor? Pointless. You’ve got to hit their hangouts:
- Baseboards and corners
- Under sinks and cabinets
- Around toilets and tubs
- Closets, bookshelves, and storage boxes
- Laundry rooms and basements
Basically, anywhere dark, damp, or paper-filled = silverfish HQ.
Tips for Maximum Bug-Busting
- Consistency matters. Spray regularly until you stop seeing silverfish.
- Declutter. If your storage room looks like a newspaper museum, no spray is going to save you.
- Fix leaks. Moisture attracts silverfish like free pizza attracts roommates.
- Combine methods. Pair sprays with diatomaceous earth or traps for faster results.
Quick Recap
- Why homemade? Cheaper, safer, customizable.
- What works? Strong smells (essential oils, vinegar), acidic environments, drying agents.
- Best recipes: Essential oil spray, vinegar + citrus spray, alcohol + oil spray.
- Where to spray: Corners, baseboards, bathrooms, bookshelves, and other dark, damp spots.
- Extra tip: Spray alone won’t work if your house is basically a silverfish amusement park. Declutter and dehumidify, too.
Final Thoughts
Silverfish might be fast, but you’re smarter. A simple DIY spray can make your home a no-go zone for them—and you don’t have to gas yourself out with chemicals. Whether you go with essential oils, vinegar, or alcohol, the goal’s the same: make your home smell heavenly (to you) and hellish (to them).
And hey, the next time one of those shiny little creeps scurries across your bathroom floor, you’ll be ready. Spray in hand, victory in sight. 🙂
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
