The common name “silverfish” comes from their gray- to-silver coloration and swimming style. You may have seen their scales in your home. Silverfish cannot fly or swim. However, they can move very quickly. You might have seen silverfish in old boxes in your attic. These insects are a mystery to many people. Are they dangerous?
They aren’t as destructive as other pests like termites and aren’t harmful to humans. Silverfish were once common in books, as they are bound with glue. Most glues made years ago were made from animal byproducts or other natural materials with a high starch and sugar content. Modern glues are the result of modern chemistry. They would not be of interest to silverfish, as they lack nutritional value.
An Ancient Insect
Silverfish (Lepisma Saccharina) have been moving around the globe for over 400 million years. They are still pretty much the same species as pre-dinosaur times. They are remarkable survivors who could explain why they have not needed to evolve. They can survive up to six months without water or food, according to some sources. Silverfish, which are prehistoric, have a similar appearance. Their body is thin, with a round head and a pointed abdomen. They are sometimes called “carrot-like” because of their shape. They look silvery because they are shiny and gray with tiny scales. They are also compared to fish for other reasons.
How to Get Rid of Silverfish
Silverfish, unlike most other insects on the planet, don’t seem to have many redeeming qualities. Webb states that they do not have any benefit to man. You shouldn’t be worried about getting rid of it. Silverfish can be found anywhere in the house but prefer dark and undeveloped areas. Silverfish love dark spots like crawl spaces, basements, attics, and basements. These areas provide shelter and food for the fish, and homeowners can store items in these spaces. They enter homes to avoid extreme weather and end up staying because it is so welcoming.
It takes these nocturnal creatures a while to reproduce enough to become an infestation. Keep your silverfish problem at bay by reducing the amount of junk you have. The key to controlling silverfish is to reduce or eliminate harborage. Large infestations can often be linked to clutter and stored items. To identify potential pest entry points, he recommends inspecting your home at least once a year. It would help if you keep your things in rigid plastic containers and not cardboard boxes in your basement and attic.
Webb’s Terminix team identifies food sources that silverfish are attracted to. This includes starch residue in utility rooms or food spillage. It’s also important to reduce humidity levels in high humidity areas of the home using fans, dehumidifiers, or other moisture reduction techniques.”
This is cool!
Silverfish do not have wings to escape predators but are astonishingly fast, making it harder to catch or squish them than you might think. Contact your local pest control professionals if you suspect that silverfish are infesting your home. We will evaluate the situation and recommend the best methods to exterminate the problem.
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