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]