How to Deal With a Silverfish Infestation

Insect control is the only way to battle an ongoing silverfish infestation on your property. While if you’ve noticed the bug in your home means that you’re probably too late to prevent a silverfish population from settling in your home.

Humid areas attract them, and if you haven’t taken the proper measures to keep silverfish outside, your home is prone to an infestation. Here’s everything you need to know about the silverfish bug.

What are silverfish?

Silverfish have two long antennae on their head, followed by a body with no obvious segmentation. While they have short and thick legs, silverfish bugs can move quite fast. The origins of their name are said to come from their rapid side-to-side movements, resembling a fish.

Lepisma saccharina bugs are similar in size to the earwig bug, however, they differ in colour.

Where do silverfish live?

Silverfish bugs prefer dark and humid areas like basements, kitchens, bathrooms and even attics. They are also pretty tough and can live in any climate, although they won’t thrive.

What attracts silverfish to your home?

Silverfish are especially attracted to damp clothing and paper. Warm and moist spaces are their favourite. That’s why leaving dirty dishes is a bad idea as they attract these and other pests.

The most common attractors are food, clutter, and moisture.

What do silverfish eat?

Silverfish bugs feed on sugars and starches (carbohydrates) mainly. Their diet includes protein-rich foods like grains, fibres, vegetables and even some fabrics.

One of the most common ways you’ll bring in silverfish bugs in your home is with infested pet food.

Do they reproduce fast?

Silverfish either lay a few eggs every few days or lay eggs in clusters of two to 20 per cluster. The eggs are elliptical and measure around one millimetre in length.

Eggs are often located in cracks and crevices and can even be found tucked between clothes and food. You’ll rarely spot them in the open, which means that you’ll have to look for them purposefully.

What are the signs of a silverfish infestation?

Having a silverfish infestation can be a pain. Silverfish are very good at hiding and are frequently difficult to detect, especially when you don’t know what to look for. But you can’t solve a problem you cannot see, so Fantastic Services is here to arm you with the knowledge you need to deal with these and other pesky little invaders.

There are a few major signs of a silverfish infestation, namely:

What damage can silverfish cause?

In addition to allergies, silverfish can also cause different types of material damage. Due to their appetite for paper and cardboard, they can do anything from eating away at your precious wallpapers to ruining your old family album and your childhood photos.

What about finding out your favourite clothes have been redesigned to have holes in them?

That can happen, too. Especially if the infestation is particularly bad. These small arthropods can cause a lot of damage if they end up in the right place at the right time, which is why silverfish control is the best choice if you have any doubt.

Are silverfish harmful to humans?

Even though silverfish do not carry any known diseases and do not pose a direct threat to humans, they can still be dangerous. When these little insects die or shed their skin, their remains might cause allergies to some people. It’s not as bad as dust mites, but it can still be quite a nuisance that needs proper insect control to get rid of them.

Do silverfish bite?

No, silverfish do not bite. They also tend to hide immediately if they’re disturbed, making them a pretty harmless bug.

How to get rid of silverfish?

Let’s say you’ve tried everything and you still get silverfish. What now? Here are a few options.

Diatomaceous earth is one of the most popular natural insecticides used to get rid of silverfish. It can be pretty effective if used properly. Apply it in the areas where you’ve seen silverfish or think they might hide. Best do it in the evening since they are most active at night.

Silverfish traps. These can also be efficient at killing insects, but beware – they can be dangerous to pets and children, so make sure they can’t reach them if you go for this option!

Preventative measures

Professional pest control

If all else fails and you confirm an infestation, then still don’t despair. You can order traditional pest control, which includes an inspection and the use of insecticides to rid you of this menace. Fantastic Services has got you covered!