Silverfish are creepy insects to be sure. These small bugs look and move in a way that can be quite startling to an unsuspecting homeowner. But are they dangerous? Should you be concerned about finding silverfish in your home? We have the answers you have been looking for.
What Do Silverfish Look Like?
Silverfish are small insects that are a silvery-blue color and range from .5 – 1 inch long. Their bodies are long and flat and come to a tapered end, much like the shape of a teardrop. Silverfish move in a way that makes them appear to be swimming using a side to side motion. This combined with their metallic shine that looks like scales led to the name of silverfish.
Are Silverfish Dangerous?
While they can be extremely creepy, silverfish are not dangerous to humans. They are not poisonous, do not bite, and do not carry or transmit disease. Although they do not pose a danger, silverfish can cause a lot of damage to homes, so it is still best to get rid of them as quickly as possible.
What Kinds of Damage Do Silverfish Cause?
Silverfish eat polysaccharides, which are carbohydrates such as starch, cellulose, or glycogen. Common food sources for silverfish include things like grains, cereals, sugar, book bindings, paper, photos, fibers, carpet, clothing, cotton, dust, glue, dead insects, wallpaper, and silk. Their propensity for feeding on these types of things means that there are many places in the home where silverfish can cause damage. Not only can they contaminate food sources, but they can also quickly destroy a valuable book or photo collection. Damage caused by silverfish may appear as dark fecal stains or small holes.
What Can I Do to Prevent Silverfish?
- Eliminate excess moisture in your home: repair leaky faucets and pipes, use a dehumidifier if necessary, make sure water drains away from your home, use a bathroom fan
- Dust regularly
- Clean out cupboards and pantries to get rid of crumbs
- Vacuum often
- Declutter to eliminate hiding places
- Store important photos, books, and papers in sealed plastic bins
- Store food in sealed containers
- Seal the exterior of your home to prevent entry
Your Silverfish Experts
Now you know that silverfish are not dangerous, but they can cause large amounts of damage to property. If you start seeing silverfish in your home, call Radar Pest Control to handle the situation before it becomes a full blown infestation. Our technicians are professional, friendly, and fast. You can count on us to get rid of your silverfish problem so that you can get on with your life. For Sunshine Coast silverfish control, you won’t find better than Radar Pest Control. Contact us today for more information.