Silverfish: What Are They and What Attracts and Deters Them?

Your home may have certain factors that cause you to be more prone to a silverfish infestation. These insects are very common household pests, but most people don't know much about them. They can cause problems, so don't be complacent about them. Fortunately, you don't have to live with an infestation. Read on to learn more about silverfish and what attracts them to your home.



Silverfish Basics

Silverfish are insects with the scientific name Lepisma saccharina. They have a slim grayish-white flat body. Their scales look similar to fish scales, hence the name silverfish. They have two antennae in front and three bristles in the back. Silverfish are mainly nocturnal. If you suddenly shine a light on them, they will scurry away to darkness.

Silverfish's diet mostly consists of starches, but they will eat a wide variety of foods, including meat. They will also eat dried pasta, sugar, paper, and fabrics, especially in undisturbed areas. Though they are not known to cause disease, they can contaminate food with their scales and droppings.

Silverfish Natural Habitat

Your home is not the preferred habitat for silverfish. They usually live outdoors and provide an environmental benefit. Silverfish are decomposers and live under leaf litter or around other types of moist and rotting vegetation. They break down dead plant matter and help disperse seeds. Other insects, like spiders, use them as a food source.

If the outside environment is less-than-ideal, silverfish will find their way inside. You are at higher risk of infestation if you keep mulch and leaf litter close to your home. Silverfish enter through crevasses and cracks and seek out moist areas inside.

Silverfish Problems

Aside from food contamination, silverfish also cause other damage, especially with a large infestation. They are notorious for paper and fabric destruction. These insects will eat your wallpaper and destroy important documents. They also chew on curtains, bedding, and stored clothing. Silverfish will even destroy pictures and tapestries.

You will likely find silverfish around your bookcases, old newspapers, file boxes, and laundry rooms. During the day, they hide, so you will not see them unless you open a cupboard or pull out a box that they use to hide until nightfall.

Silverfish Attractants

Silverfish search for two things in your home: moisture and food. If the outside area is too dry for them, then a home with a moisture problem is the next best thing for them. One good thing about a silverfish infestation is that it may give you a heads-up about potential humidity issues inside your home.

Silverfish also like dark, undisturbed areas where they can feed and breed in peace. Stacks of paper and clothing in an attic or basement are perfect. A water source is also a plus, and a leaky faucet is sufficient. They will also take up residence behind furniture or inside lesser-used cupboards.

Silverfish Deterrents

You can try a few things on your own to try to curb your silverfish problem. For example, you may want to try some of the things listed below.

• Run a dehumidifier to reduce humidity and make your home less attractive to silverfish.
• Clear out wood, mulch, and decayed plant matter from near your home.
• Fix leaks that contribute to moisture control problems and humidity.
• Seal up cracks where silverfish and other pests can enter.
• Remove clutter and potential places where silverfish can hide.
• Store food in tightly sealed containers.

If none of the above works, then call in the professional. Even though silverfish don't bite, they can damage your personal property. Best Pest Control Services can inspect and treat your home for silverfish. Give us a call, and set up an inspection time to get started.