Have you ever opened a cabinet or bookcase and came across an uninvited visitor making its way along the racks? If it looks like a small silver fish, there’s no doubting that it is indeed a silverfish. But what are these peculiar creatures and how did they manage to enter your home?
Where do silverfish come from? Silverfish come from the outdoors, where they live in damp, dark places like under leaves and beneath rocks. They are known to travel inside homes through tiny cracks in the walls or gaps around windows and doors.
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Once inside, they survive by eating starchy items such as paper, clothing, glue on cardboard boxes and plastic materials that contain polymers.
What Attracts Silverfish in Your House?
What attracts silverfish in your home is an environment that is dark, damp, and warm. They are often found near bathtubs, sinks, basements, and other places where moisture is present.
Silverfish also need food sources to survive which are readily available in homes.
Silverfish are extremely sensitive to moisture and constantly search for areas with high humidity (at least 75 percent) in which to live. Usual places where you can find silverfish include bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, garages, and cabinets – anywhere that has a higher amount of dampness or moisture.
Though these pests may stray away from humid conditions occasionally, they still require more moist environments to survive.
Silverfish need carbohydrates which can be found in cereals, oats, starchy sources of food. Also, they will feed on cardboard, bindings in books due to the glue, toilet paper, and boxes. They also feed on the protein that is in dried beef and dead insects!
Should I Be Worried if I See Silverfish?
You should not be worried if you see Silverfish since they are not known to cause physical harm, but they can be a nuisance and can damage paper products and other items in the home. They reproduce rapidly, so it is important to act immediately if you spot them.
Termites may not be a hazard to humans, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still do some damage. If it’s made of starch, chances are these pesky critters will want to make a snack out of it; this includes books, wallpapers, and even the food in your pantry! They’re especially fond of devouring clothes such as shirts or sweaters – so keep an eye on those favorite items you don’t want ruined!
Silverfish may not transmit dangerous ailments like rats, mice and ticks do, yet their presence can still be unsettling. The optimal technique for eliminating them is by decreasing humidity in the house, cleaning up any food crumbs left behind, making sure there are no paper items scattered around and sealing off cracks near windows and doors.
Will silverfish go away on their own?
Silverfish will not go away on their own, and if left unchecked, they could multiply quickly. It is important to identify the source of the silverfish’s presence in your home and take steps to eliminate them as soon as possible. You can try to reduce the moisture level, but this will not wipe them out completely since they have evolved to become hardy.
Here are five ways to reduce the population of silverfish in your home:
- Combat Humidity: Silverfish are attracted to moisture, so it’s important to keep your home as dry as possible. Make sure all windows and doors are shut tight, use dehumidifiers if needed, and repair any plumbing leaks or fixtures right away. By following these simple steps you can help eliminate silverfish from invading your space.
- Get Rid of Disorder: Silverfish are fond of dark, congested spaces such as basements, attics and wardrobes. By frequently cleaning and organizing these areas regularly you can efficiently reduce the number of silverfish in your home.
- Reduce Their Food Sources: Remove their food sources like flour, sugar, and cereal by storing them in airtight containers. Furthermore, to guarantee that there are no other enticing meals lying around for those pesky bugs – sweep up crumbs from spills and vacuum the floors regularly.
- Deter Silverfish the Natural Way: To keep silverfish from taking residence in your house, use natural repellents such as bay leaves, cedar chips, and lavender oil. Strategically place these items around areas where you think silverfish may be drawn to for extra protection.
- Guard Against Silverfish Invasion: To protect your home from silverfish, be sure to check the exterior for any openings or cracks and immediately seal them. This will prevent entry of these annoying insects!