Why Do I have Silverfish?

Silverfish are silver or gray wingless nocturnal insects that can appear out of nowhere in your kitchen, bathroom, basement, or outdoor areas. These flat elongated bugs measure about half an inch to one inch long and are considered to be one of the oldest insects in the world. 

Silverfish, also known as a carpet shark, urban silverfish, or fish moth, are not dangerous pests and are not likely to cause any harm to humans. However, these creepy-looking creatures are a nuisance to homeowners as they damage several home items by feeding on them. These insects will eat your cereals, books, wallpaper, documents, newspapers, cardboard, and clothes. 

What attracts silverfish to your home?

Here are some things that cause silverfish to enter your home:

Moisture

Silverfish need a high level of humidity to survive and are attracted to humid and damp conditions. They get in the home through areas where there are wood rot and water damage. Bathrooms, kitchen, cabinets, garages, and laundry rooms are the places where they are often found. You should check and ensure that your house is free from any leaks, and there is no unwanted moisture making its way into the home from anywhere. Check for cracks and crevices, old boxes, and other storage units which have been left unattended for long. It is essential to keep your home dry and warm to avoid silverfish infestation. Invest in a good humidifier or install fans in possible humid places of your home. 

Dark places with warm temperature

Silverfish prefer warm and dark places with temperatures between 70-90 degrees. In light and hot environments, they take shelter in dark and dirtier spaces of your home. Locate such sites in your home and get the trouble areas fixed.

Food

Silverfish require food and water to survive. They will invade your home if you offer them an ideal environment. They eat food high on carbohydrates like oats and flour, starches like insulation, paper, cardboard boxes, and book bindings. They also survive on proteins like dead insects and dried beef, and the fabrics your clothes are made of like cotton, rayon, and silk. In the bathrooms, they feed on dandruff, hair, and dead skin cells. This means that they can feed on a lot of things inside your home. You should get rid of unwanted cardboard boxes from your home and store food in sealed glass or plastic containers.  Clean your bathroom daily and use mothballs to keep silverfish off your clothes.

Dirty places

If you don’t clean food scraps or crumbs vigilantly, let garbage build-up, open pet food or have an accumulation of stuff around your house, your home is more likely to attract silverfish. Do your best to keep your home neat and hygienic to stop silverfish from thriving.  

Silverfish infestations are annoying as they reproduce quickly and can go on for long without eating. They are also a sign of a more significant underlying issue. The best and most efficient way to protect your home from a silverfish infestation is to call a local pest control company. They know how to use chemicals properly without endangering your family. They can also help you in finding the entry points and advise you on ways to seal them.

Kinder Safe Pest Solutions offers 17 years of experience in commercial and residential pest control serving Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Hillsborough, and Pinellas Counties. Call (941)254-2180 today!