This article is a complete guide to silverfish. It contains the majority of information you need to know about silverfish including where they live, what they look like, their life cycles and what you can do to eliminate silverfish from your home or apartment.
Indentifying Silverfish
The silverfish is about one-half inch long. When fully grown they are silvery and bluish in color but can also be light gray to brown to black. They have two large antennas extending from their head and three short tails. They are tear-shaped insects and move in fluid, fish-like movements, which is what gives them their name. They do not have wings and are nocturnal in nature. They require a humidity level of 75% to 95%.
It is important to note that silverfish are not harmful to humans in any way. The do not bite and cannot spread disease. They can cause damage to your home, apartment or property if you do not control your silverfish infestation.
Living Environment
Silverfish insects are attracted to water and areas that have lot of moisture. They are most often found in bathrooms behind the toilet, in bathtubs, attics or basements. Outside they are often found under piles of leaves or wet rocks.
Silverfish Extermination
There are numerous ways to go about killing silverfish. You can buy traps and poisons from your local hardware store. There is a silverfish trap which is non-toxic and attracts the bugs and holds them in a sticky paste until they die. There are also Dekko Silverfish Packs which is a poison that attracts them and causes them to die. Other possible methods are salt, boric acid, cloves and Diatomaceous Earth. You can sprinkle these along the nooks, crannies, cracks and baseboards of your house and they will kill silverfish quickly. Many people do not want toxins in their house around their children and animals so make sure to read the label of any product very carefully.
Prevention Methods
The problem with killing silverfish bugs is that they breed very quickly and leave their eggs in many small cracks and crevices. Killing as many as you can may help curb your silverfish infestation but it probably won’t clear them away from your house entirely.
The best method of silverfish elimination is to make their environment less appealing to them. They eat a big variety of things such as book bindings, clothing, wallpaper, glue, dandruff, carpet, and human food. While it is not practical to put most of these items in a sealed plastic box you can place all of your food in containers. This will help reduce their food supply.
Identify the areas in your dwelling that have silverfish in them. It is important to dry out these places and make them inhospitable. You can do this by ventilating the air, running your air conditioner or using a dehumidifier. The areas you will probably find them in are laundry rooms, under sinks, bathrooms, attics and basements.
Breeding Cycles
The breeding cycle of the silverfish is approximately one to two months. After this time if you don’t see any more silverfish in your home you should be free and clear of these pesky little insects.