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If the thought of insects taking over your home makes your skin crawl, just know you’re not alone. Most people are not impressed when they find out that they share the same space with little critters.
If you’re going through boxes in your basement and you notice one or two silverfish, it’s only natural to ask why they are there and how to get rid of them before they multiply.
This is a guide on how to get rid of silverfish and why they are in your home in the first place.
What Are Silverfish?
Silverfish are one of the most prevalent insect pests in the world. They are sometimes called bristletails or paperfish, although their scientific name is Lepisma saccharinum.
The common name ‘silverfish’ comes from the fact that they are grey to silver in colour and wiggle as they run in a manner that looks like a fish swimming. Silverfish are voracious eaters that feed on starchy foods.
They are particularly fond of paper and will feed on boxes, books and other household materials. The silverfish’s bodies are covered in tiny scales that are often described as reptilian.
The body is widest at the head and tapers towards the rear where there are three long appendages, each covered with bristles. One of the appendages sticks straight out of the end of the body while the other two protrude at right angles from the left and right sides of the torso.
Silverfish are between 0.5 inches and an inch in length and can live up to eight years. The insects are nocturnal and are rarely seen during the day.
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Why They Like It In Your Home
Knowing why they are in your home helps find out how to get rid of silverfish effectively. Why do they like it in your home?
Your house is providing at least one of the following things that attract them.
1. There’s Lots Of Food
In their natural environment, they eat composting plant material, leaves, and other decomposing items.
Silverfish tend to eat sugary substances called starch, which is found in many household items, including glue used to bind books, carpet fibres, household glue, paint, fabrics, clothing and even furniture.
If you have these at home, which you most certainly do, this could be the reason why you have spotted them around.
2. There Are Places To Hide
In their natural habitat, they can be found under logs and rocks. In a household environment, though, they tend to live behind furniture, in books, in basements, or near sinks.
Silverfish like to lay their eggs that look like white and yellow balls in dark, damp, hidden areas of your home.
3. The Environment Is Moist And Humid
Like many other household pests, they thrive in moist and humid environments. Places like the attic or basement where it is dark and cool make the perfect spots for them to hide.
4. There’s Space To Reproduce
They can live up to 8 years and reproduce frequently throughout their lives. Because of this, they can be a major nuisance and cause damage to household items over time.
You may be wondering if seeing them around means that your home is dirty. Contrary to popular belief, silverfish are not attracted to dirty houses.
Rather, silverfish love moisture, so their presence is more indicative of humidity than dirt in a home. Since silverfish eat common building materials, even clean houses provide them with plenty of food, although silverfish see dusty areas of the house as a home.
Because dust is primarily made from organic waste such as human skin and dander, silverfish can usually only survive on dust. When the silverfish die, the remaining silverfish will eat the carcasses to meet their needs.
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Are Silverfish Dangerous To People and Pets?
Silverfish are not harmful to humans. They do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases or pathogens. Even though they pose no threat to your health, you shouldn’t condone them.
Silverfish can damage household items. and building materials and their creepy presence will quickly make your home an uncomfortable place. Also, some people with severe allergic symptoms may have reactions to silverfish faeces or dander.
5 Signs Of A Silverfish Infestation
If you think you might have a silverfish infestation in your home, these are the 5 signs to check for:
1. Seeing Silverfish Around
The first sign of a silverfish infestation is the presence of live silverfish. These small, flexible, slippery insects range in colour from silvery blue to grey.
They are teardrop shaped and when they move they move from side to side like a fish does when swimming. Silverfish are difficult to spot as they are nocturnal, but even a single live silverfish is a good indication that you have an infestation somewhere in your home.
2. Silverfish Feces
Silverfish have unique droppings. They look like small yellow or white peppercorns and are usually found in areas silverfish like to visit, like the backs of furniture or under closet space.
Silverfish droppings are so small that many people mistake them for dust or household waste. However, if you sweep once and they keep coming back, you know you have a pest problem.
3. Skin Molts
Silverfish shed their skin throughout their lives. The outer layers are small, delicate, and translucent, but they are a good indication of a silverfish infestation.
4. Yellow Stains On Your Stuff
Even if you don’t notice real skin moults, you can see yellow dust on surfaces. These yellow spots often appear on books, paper, boxes, or clothing.
5. Damage To Your Belongings
One of the easiest ways to spot silverfish is to identify the damage they cause. Silverfish eat starchy foods like wallpaper, sheets, clothing, and cardboard.
Look for holes chewed by items like this to confirm you have a silverfish infestation.
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Ways To Getting Rid Of Silverfish
Here are some tips on how to get rid of silverfish, both using homemade ingredients and special tools available at many hardware stores.
1. Make Traps With Food
Place a starchy food or substance in a glass container and wrap the outside with tape. This way the silverfish can get into the jar by climbing up the textured surface of the tape, but they won’t be able to get out again because their feet can’t stick to the smooth glass surface inside.
2. Use A Newspaper To Catch Them
Wet an old newspaper and roll it up. Silverfish will crawl into it and start making their homes.
After a few days, throw away the newspaper or burn it to get rid of any silverfish left behind.
3. Set Up Sticky Traps
Purchase several of these traps and place them anywhere you’ve noticed silverfish activity. Silverfish can crawl and get stuck in it.
After a few days, check the traps and discard any that have silverfish stuck to them.
4. Use Cedar Wood Or Cedarwood Oil
You can use the oil in a diffuser filled with water and cedarwood oil or in a spray bottle. They hate the cedar’s strong-smelling scent.
5. Dried Bay Leaves
Scatter dried bay leaves throughout the house. Silverfish and other insects are repelled by their oils.
6. Borax
Even if every other method fails, borax is an effective way to kill silverfish. For best results, purchase borax from your local hardware store and spread a thin coat anywhere you’ve seen silverfish.
It is particularly suitable for use on the back of cabinets, baseboards, cupboards and under appliances. Alternatively, you can use diatomaceous earth for the same purpose.
How To Get Rid Of Silverfish In Various Areas
This is targeted at specific areas where you may have seen one or two silverfish
1. In Your Home
If you have a serious silverfish infestation in your home, you will need to contact a licensed pest control service.
2. In Bathroom Cabinets
Because silverfish love moisture, they are drawn to bathtubs and drains. However, the last thing you want to do is take a shower with these insects.
The best way to get rid of silverfish in these areas is to drain the area and remove their hiding places. Clear out all bathroom clutter, including stacked papers or towels, and vacuum all the hidden corners of the room.
Scatter diatomaceous earth in the corners of the room and add a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the room.
3. In Your Bed
Silverfish prefer places like closets and bathrooms, but it is possible to find them in your bed. In this case, remove all linens and wash them in hot water.
Dry on the hottest setting possible. The next step is to declutter your bedroom.
4. In The Attic Or Basement
Both the attic and basement are quiet, hidden places for silverfish. If you see them in these areas, you need to be aggressive.
In these rooms, boric acid (borax) is an excellent pest control option. Sprinkle it in cracks and crevices throughout the basement or attic after you’ve vacuumed and swept and cleaned up the clutter.
5. In The Closet
You should not use poison in your closet. Instead, use a non-toxic repellent like cedarwood oil on the baseboards and seams of your cabinets.
The scent prevents insects from attacking your clothes. Remember that a little goes a long way–you don’t have to soak your clothes to keep silverfish away.
6. Outside Your Home Or In Windows
Spray the outside of your home with insect repellent from the store, paying particular attention to the base and the area around windows and doors. Clear clutter around and outside your home and reduce brush and vegetation at least 16 inches from your home.
Tips To Prevent Future Infestations Of Silverfish
Here are some tips to keep silverfish from becoming a problem in your home in future:
- Keep all dry food in your cupboards in sealed containers. This keeps them free from moisture.
- Dust your house regularly.
- Keep fabrics safely away. They contain starches or saccharides that they like to eat.
- Remove sticky objects from your home. This includes stacks of paper, dirty clothes, boxes, or any other item that silverfish might be attracted to.
- Remove leftover food from your home. This is especially important right after a meal.
- Use a vacuum that can also suck up silverfish eggs and prevent them from breeding and multiplying.
- Get a dehumidifier.
Do you live in a humid climate? Reduce indoor humidity levels to 60% or less to prevent silverfish from living and thriving in your home.
Ventilate rooms that get hot and humid including your bathroom or kitchen. Open windows and doors and turn on fans to remove moisture from the air.
Silverfish And Our Health
How do silverfish affect our health as humans?
1. They Don’t Bite Or Sting
Don’t worry if you get close to a silverfish because they don’t bite or sting, and they’re not known to transmit disease.
2. Allergies
Allergenic people may perceive the waste that silverfish create as an allergen. Some people may be allergic or sensitive to their dander and faeces.
Final Thoughts
Silverfish can infest a house and although not dangerous, they can cause property damage and bring on allergies in some people. A person can try various natural and chemical methods to get rid of them before contacting a professional pest control service.
We have just highlighted some methods on how to get rid of silver fish before they become destructive. Storing fabric, food and books well will limit the silverfish population.
Use traps and poison to get rid of silverfish fast but if all these fail, contact a pest control service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Fastest Way To Get Rid Of Silverfish?
Use Borax to kill them fast.
What Do Silverfish Hate The Most?
Silverfish hate the smell of citrus, lavender, cinnamon and cedarwood.
Difference Between A Silverfish And A Firebrat?
The biggest difference between the two is the colouring. Silverfish are silver or grey in colour while firebrats are brown or orange in colour.
What Time Of Year Do Silverfish Come Out?
They can be active all through the year.
Will Silverfish Go Away On Their Own?
It’s not likely. With consistent efforts, they can be eliminated for good.
