Silverfish are the epitome of creepy, crawly critters with their long antenna and fast, fishlike movements. They are nocturnal insects, so you may only stumble upon them when you are up at night, or if they get trapped in the bathtub. So, where do silverfish live and why are they in your house?
Whether they are outdoors or indoors, silverfish prefer dark, damp environments. They especially like areas with high humidity over about 75%. The natural habitat of silverfish is in leaf litter or under rocks, logs, or other objects. They are attracted by moist soil and organic debris of all kinds. They do not survive well in hot sun, so you will most often find them in the shade under bushes or shrubs, beneath decks or patios, or around rotting or stacked wood.
Silverfish typically enter homes through cracks and crevices at ground level, or they are carried in inside boxes or bags. They enter homes in search of food, water, and shelter. Since silverfish eat proteins, carbohydrates, and mold, homes are especially tantalizing for them. They will be happy eating crumbs, pantry staples, paper, books, and even clothing. They can be very destructive to property, but luckily, silverfish are not dangerous.
Once inside the home, silverfish tend to stay hidden most of the time. They find dark, moist areas where they can live and reproduce, often unbeknownst to the homeowner. Areas where you might find silverfish include: kitchens, laundry rooms, crawl spaces, garages, and cabinets. If there is plenty of moisture, silverfish will be happy.
One place that homeowners often see silverfish is in the sink or the bathtub. This leads many people to believe that silverfish live in drains. This is not true. Instead, silverfish come out at night for food and water and get trapped in these places. Silverfish are fast on flat surfaces, but they do not climb well on smooth, vertical surfaces. If you start finding silverfish in your sinks or tubs, chances are good that there are many more where those came from.
Silverfish control can be achieved by exclusion methods and through chemical treatments. If you are struggling with silverfish, Radar Pest Control can help get rid of them for good. Our expert technicians and friendly staff will work with you to create a treatment plan to meet your needs. With offices in Nambour, Buderim, and Bli Bli, Radar Pest Control is your Sunshine Coast pest control specialist. Contact us today for more information.