Silverfish are tiny, wingless insects that are known for infesting homes causing damage to books, papers, clothes, and other starchy materials. It can be challenging to get rid of silverfish but with the right strategies and persistence, you can get rid of these pets in your home. In this article, we will discuss on tips and strategies to eradicate Silverfish Infestations from your home.
What are Silverfish?
Silverfish get their name from the color of their body mostly silver or metallic brown. They have a soft body and are covered in fine scales that look like a fish. Silverfish hide during the day and avoid direct sunlight. They are mostly found in the dark corners of the house. They grow in damp, dark, and cool places. Large populations of silverfish can grow in new buildings with wet bricks and cement. A silverfish can survive without food for a long time, even up to a year. Silverfish can live up to 8 years and reproduce frequently throughout their lives.
Why do silverfish like to be inside your home?
Silverfish get favorable conditions to thrive inside a house. They get plenty of things to eat in the house like sugary substances that are found in many household objects such as carpet fibers, book glue, paint fabrics, household glue, and sometimes even furniture. Like any other pests, silverfish thrive in moist and humid environments.
Silverfish and Our Health
Silverfish do not sting or bite but they can contaminate your food. They also destroy your home by eating your belongings. Allergens can be found in the debris created by silverfish. Some people may be allergic to the molted skin and droppings of Silverfish Infestations.
Identify the Infestation
Before you can effectively eliminate silverfish, you need to identify their presence. You can spot silverfish by looking for tiny silver-colored insects with fish-shaped bodies. Besides this, tiny, irregular holes in paper, clothes, and books are also a sign of silverfish infestations. You might also spot their droppings which look like black pepper.
Like many other insects, the silverfish sheds its skin throughout its lifecycle. When you consider how small the insect is, its shed skin would literally be a small clue and difficult to detect. The most likely places to find it would be in the kitchen, bathroom, or basement.
Tips to Get Rid of Silverfish
Cut Their Food Supply
Store your food in airtight containers so that silverfish do not get easily available food. Keep paper products such as cardboard, newspapers, and magazines out of damp areas of your home. Reducing food sources will make your home less appealing to silverfish and they will look for other places in search of food.
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuum your carpets, floors, and furniture regularly where silverfish can hide and clean up any debris. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately. Try to remove them on a regular basis.
Dehumidify Your House
Silverfish love humidity and water. Reduce the water sources by dehumidifying the basement. Take note of any leaking water pipes and moldy wood. Keep showers, sinks, tubs, and laundry rooms clean and dry. Running humidifiers is an expensive solution but also one of the most effective ones.
Fill Cracks
Silverfish can enter your home through these cracks and cervices. They also lay eggs in cracks. Sealing the cracks will stop them from laying eggs and hatching. This will also prevent their access. Repair any broken window and door screens.
Diatomaceous Earth
Sprinkle some diatomaceous earth in areas where silverfish are active. It is a natural repellant which dehydrates and kills them. It is best to do it in the evening as silverfish are most active in the night.
Essential Oils
You can use essential oils like lavender, citrus, and peppermint oil to remove silverfish from your house. Mix it with water and spray it on the infested areas. Silverfish are resistant to their strong fragrance.
Use Cedar or Cedar Oil
Mix equal quantities of cedar oil and water and put them in a spray bottle. Squirt at the places where you suspect silverfish infestation.
Set Traps to Catch Silverfish
There are various traps available in the market to catch Silverfish Infestations. You can place sticky traps in areas where you have seen silverfish activity. You can also use a rolled newspaper trap to catch them. Roll up a damp newspaper and place it where silverfish are likely to hide. The moisture will attract them and trap them.
Boric Acid
Dust boric acid in cracks and gaps to eliminate silverfish. This will be helpful in small infestations. Alternatively, you can mix it with water and spray it on their potential hideouts.
Use Insecticides
You can use insecticides that contain synergized pyrethrin, phenothrin, and tetramethrin to kill silverfish. Follow the instructions on the chemical products before using them. Keep them away from pets and children as they may accidentally consume them. Use these insecticides only for large infestations.
Hire a Reputable Pest Control Company
If you have a large silverfish infestation that begins to show damage to household contents, you must seek professional assistance. Professional pest control in Bhubaneswar experts have the right knowledge and chemicals to eliminate silverfish from your property.
The Last Words
It requires a prolonged approach to eliminate silverfish that includes identifying the infestation, cutting their food supply, dehumidifying your home, sealing entry points using natural repellants setting traps, and using chemical insecticides. It is important to implement long-term preventive measures to keep silverfish at bay. To remove silverfish, it is important to keep your living space clean and dry and to take preventive measures from time to time. With patience and a well-thought-out strategy, you can get rid of silverfish and keep your home and belongings safe.
Read also: The Essential Role of Carpet Cleaning in Allergy Relief