Boric acid is somewhat moderately effective for both roaches and silverfish, (i.e. it doesn't really work that well.) The advantage of Silica gel for silverfish is that it is a much safer to use product, It really does control silverfish, and the humidity control is an additional advantage. It also works as a long lasting preventative. The stuff is heavier than a powder, it is like sand, and the harshness helps to prevent the presence of the silverfish.
Dr. Cheryl Thurber
email: [log in to unmask]
--- On Sun, 11/8/09, Doug Pomeroy <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
From: Doug Pomeroy <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] [78-L] saving an album/silverfish/silica gel
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Sunday, November 8, 2009, 11:05 AM
I believe you can also use boric acid, which is cheap and can be found
in powder form at most pharmacies. I think it will also control roaches.
Doug
> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 16:46:28 -0800
> From: "Dr. Cheryl Thurber" <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: [78-L] saving an album/silverfish/silica gel
>
> I am giving my standard sliverfish reply.-Silica Gel.
> I learned this from an agricultural extension agent back in the 1970s and i=
> t is a practice used by archives as well.
> =A0
> Silica gel is a granular product, you find it a craft stores for drying flo=
> wers etc. It is about $5 a box,=A0or plastic tub. =A0I use this for both bo=
> oks and records. If there is a problem sprinkle the silica gel in the box w=
> ith the books or records, depending on the box size it takes about a teaspo=
> on or tablespoon. Keep the box closed up and separate from other items. Whe=
> n ever I set up a new shelf I spinkle it across the back and in corners. I =
> also put this in boxes when moving and putting things in storage. This cont=
> rols silverfish, and also is a humidity control (its main archival use) =A0=
> This does not work on roaches, and I have not found a way to keep them from=
> coming in with boxes (any suggestions?). Silica gel is what=A0 is in the l=
> ittle white packets found in electronic equipment boxes.=20
> I have zillions of both books and records, that have come from a wide range=
> of sources, and silverfish are not a problem for me because of this practi=
> ce.=20
>
> Dr. Cheryl Thurber=20
>
> email: [log in to unmask]
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