Silverfish can be a right pain to deal with once they get in. Infestations need professional treatment, and you may need to bring in help to get the situation dealt with, it can help you to determine what is the best course of action.
Pest Proof Nation notes that silverfish are very fast, nocturnal insects which have a lot of similar mannerisms as cockroaches. They can also trigger an allergic reaction in some people, but for the most part, they are just annoying pests.
They do not bite, and they are highly unlikely to spread any pathogens which could cause any diseases. They are dangerous in other ways though, they can contaminate food, stain clothing, damage any paper-based goods, and so, you really do not want them hanging around your house.
So, what could you be doing to encourage them in, and how do you get them out?
What Exactly Are Silverfish?
Silverfish are as you might expect them to be. They are not fish, instead they are grey/silver insects which pester your home. The adults are wingless and are around ½ an inch to an inch long, with flat bodies which allows them to slip into a crevice.
What Are Silverfish Attracted To?
So, what can draw a silverfish into your home? Are you doing something to attract them into your home?
Here are a few things that could be turning your home into a Silverfish paradise.
Love The Damp!
Silverfish are very sensitive to moisture levels, and they love higher levels of humidity, usually around 75% or higher. This makes them very attracted to damp and humid conditions.
You can find silverfish in kitchens, garages, bathrooms, laundry rooms, cabinets and so on.
They can stray out of higher humidity areas for short periods, however, in general, they tend to need much higher levels of humidity to survive. It is important that you ensure that areas like this have little to no humidity.
Naturally humid areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms need to be properly ventilated and maintained to ensure that they are not permanently humid, attracting silverfish.
Dark And Moist Locations
Similarly, they also love dark areas. They enjoy hiding away in dark places which have warm temperatures and high humidity levels. Temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees are ideal for them. Hypothetically, if silverfish were not to live in homes and invade our living spaces, tropical climates would be their ideal climate with the dark areas, and warm humid conditions.
Consider this when you are assessing your home for silverfish infestation likelihood.
Protein and Carbs
Silverfish love carbohydrates such as rolled oats, flour, and starches, often found in cardboard boxes, book bindings, paper, insulation and glue.
Silverfish also adore proteins, this includes dried beef, and dead insects. While we do not tend to intentionally have dead insects lying around, it is a good reason to have a strict cleaning routine.
How Do You Get Rid of Them?!
Knowing this, how can you get rid of silverfish infestations?
The first thing you need to do is to reduce the moisture levels. You need to analyse your environment and repair any leaking faucets or pipes. In areas of your home which may be more naturally humid, get a dehumidifier to reduce condensation and humidity.
Consider ventilation fans when you are taking a shower, or when you are cooking to help the areas to stay at a more reasonable temperature and humidity level.
Keep your gutters and spouts free of debris as well, and assess landscaping so that drains are kept away from your house.
You also need to keep a good healthy food environment in your home. Ensure you store pet food, cereal, flour, and pastas, in plastic, airtight containers to protect them from silverfish, and stop any smell of them from attracting pests into your home.
It is advisable for you to limit access into your home by adequately sealing any crevices and cracks underneath or behind any skirting boards, door trim, or windows.
You will also find it best to seal up any holes in floors or walls where pipes may pass by. This will minimize any entry points for pests such as these. Good practice also includes vacuuming carpets, floors and any upholstered furniture on a regular basis, and emptying it outside so bugs do not escape into your home.
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