Silverfish are common pests in homes that are not harmful to humans. Although not dangerous, silverfish can trigger allergies in some people. This pest doesn’t bite like bed bugs or spread disease like cockroaches. Silverfish have a reputation for causing significant damage to homes and personal property. Therefore, it is important to get a silverfish infestation under control quickly. The only way to minimize the damage that they cause is to get rid of silverfish fast.
Are silverfish harmful to humans?
Silverfish aren’t harmful to humans. This pest is more of a nuisance due to the damage it causes people. Silverfish may not harm people, but they can damage your things.
These pests have a diet high in carbohydrates and sugars, meaning they’ll chow down on anything from paper to clothing, insulation and cereals. Silverfish will be happy to eat cardboard and tissue. Nothing grosses silverfish out. They’ll even eat human hair. So are silverfish dangerous to humans? Not really, but they sure have weird eating habits.
While you don’t have to worry about getting sick because of a silverfish, you still won’t like having them in your home. Silverfish won’t harm you, but they’ll be happy to chew holes in your clothing or family photo albums.
If you have starchy materials in your home, silverfish will be happy to ruin them for you. However, Silverfish do most of the damage during the night. So, while these pests cause problems, silverfish are not harmful to humans like cockroaches, rats, or bed bugs. Fortunately, silverfish do not carry any diseases. Therefore, they aren’t harmful to your health.
Silverfish look disgusting to many people, but that doesn’t mean that they are harmful to people or pets. Silverfish don’t bite. They don’t have a poisonous sting. Additionally, they don’t carry pathogens that cause disease. Although silverfish are neither dangerous nor harmful, they may trigger allergic reactions in some. Adult silverfish shed their skins in a process called “molting.” In the process of molting, they leave behind scales. The scales of silverfish could trigger an allergic reaction in some people.
What is a silverfish infestation?
A silverfish infestation is the presence of silverfish in a home, which can become a problem if not treated quickly. Silverfish are pests that can cause damage to household items, so they should be treated accordingly. Silverfish infestations usually begin in living spaces such as closets, cabinets, and under sinks. The silverfish feed on electrical wires and their live eggs, which they drop out of their bodies, can also be a breeding ground for other pests. Their feces can be a source of health concern, especially for children. Silverfish cannot fly or walk very well, but they can jump as far as 5-10 feet from a hiding place, so they can be difficult to catch in their typical hiding places.
Some silverfish can cause damage more quickly than others, but they generally live about one year.
How do I know if I have a silverfish infestation?
If you find silverfish in your home, you have a silverfish infestation. People usually hear about silverfish in buildings, but they can be found in houses, as well. Silverfish infestations usually begin with a single small silverfish, called the egg sac, which is the normal form that the silverfish takes when they first emerge from their underground hiding places.
As soon as the egg sac hatches, it releases a small number of silverfish that are called larvae. The larvae find hiding places to go through a process known as metamorphosis and become adults. You can’t see silverfish as adults, but they’re often seen in pinched balls of material that resemble eggs. They can also be found in food, clothing, and water, and they sometimes attack animals.
When does a silverfish infestation start to become an issue?
Silverfish infestations typically begin in attics, basements, crawl spaces, and pantries that are not adequately ventilated. Once the infestation is established, it can spread to other areas. The silverfish may emerge from wood floors, furniture, or other dark or damp areas in which they are hiding.
Is it worth it to try to kill silverfish with an insecticide?
The silverfish may be an irritant and can be found on or near walls and flooring, so it is best to keep the areas away from living areas clear of debris and other potential food sources. Spraying an insecticide will be more effective on dried out or covered dead insects than on live ones.
Is it possible for me to get rid of my silverfish infestation myself?
Silverfish are persistent little creatures who can live and multiply even in small living spaces. Silverfish can typically survive out of the open air for up to six weeks, but may not survive in temperatures over 35°F. They also can produce a large number of offspring if kept in relatively small containers.
If you notice that you have a silverfish infestation, it is a good idea to consult a professional to resolve the issue. You can learn more about pest control options for you home and property here.
Is it possible to control silverfish without insecticides?
There is some evidence that silverfish can be controlled by keeping areas of the home cooler than they normally would be, particularly around windows. This will limit the amount of heat they can absorb and thus limit their growth.
What should I do if my silverfish infestation is still not under control?
Contact a pest control company for assistance. Some people may consider themselves to be silverfish experts, but do not be too proud to call on professional help. Silverfish can be very difficult to manage, and, as a result, it may take a long time before you notice an improvement in your home.
Silverfish make a great indoor and outdoor companion, but they can be a significant nuisance and a hassle if left unchecked. Contact your local pest control company as soon as possible if you think that you have a silverfish infestation that has not been managed effectively.
How to get rid of silverfish?
If you have a silverfish infestation inside your house, you might be asking yourself, “How to get rid of silverfish?” The best way to get rid of silverfish is to:
- Prevent a silverfish infestation, and if you already have an infestation
- Get rid of silverfish as soon as possible.
Prevention starts with inspecting preferred silverfish habitat areas. Look for areas in your home that provide food materials for this pest. Generally, an inside infestation is usually brought in via infested items. However, a silverfish invasion could also bring pests from the outside into your house.
Pay close attention to the outside of your home if you are dealing with a widespread outside infestation. Remove items close to the exterior of your house. The best strategy is to move or remove anything silverfish could use to find entrances or climb walls to get inside your house. Vents, door frames and windows can also provide pests easy access to your home.
Additional tips for getting rid of silverfish include:
- Repair or Eliminate any moldy or wet wood.
- Get a dehumidifier for your home.
- Repair leaky pipes and drains.
In addition, make sure that you don’t store magazines or books in areas silverfish are attracted to. That means keeping old paper out of garages, bathrooms, attics and basements. In your kitchen, make sure to store food items such as sugar and flour in tight containers.
If there is a silverfish infestation in your house, it might be easiest to call a pest control company to get rid of silverfish in your home.
Do silverfish bite?
No. Silverfish do not bite or spread disease, although they are capable of spreading small holes in material surfaces, as well as dust and dander, on their bodies.
Silverfish are very common, particularly in warm climates. Many people have experienced them while living in houses, or even buildings, with damp, wood-based walls and ceilings. Most of the time, silverfish are not a serious problem. If you want to get rid of them, your first step should be to remove the food source, such as food on surfaces, so that they can’t survive there.
If you are experiencing a significant infestation, or if you suspect that your home might be infested with silverfish, you should seek professional help.
When it comes to seeking professional help, it’s also worth considering where you would like to relocate to next, as it might make a big difference when it comes to getting rid of silverfish once and for all.
