Silverfish are drawn to cozy, moist environments and have a penchant for consuming paper and various organic substances within your home. Additionally, they have the potential to disrupt electrical systems and insulation. Empire Pest Control suggests that spotting one of these critters close to your residence could indicate certain attractants. The blog post delves into a variety of factors that might be enticing silverfish to your living space!

What Are Silverfish?

silverfish

Silverfish are long, slender bugs that have no wings or antennae. They are usually around half an inch in length and can live for up to two years!

These insects are commonly found throughout the world but prefer warmer climates. Silverfish will eat paper products like books, newspapers, glue on envelopes, wallpaper paste, and cardboard boxes.

However, they also feed on things like soap flakes and even their own shed skin!

What Attracts Silverfish to Your Home

what attracts silverfish

If you find silverfish in your home, then there are things that are making them want to live in your home. Here are some of the things that silverfish are attracted to:

Warm and Dark Places

Silverfish like warm places, and they will also take shelter in dark areas. If you have lots of cracks between walls or behind furniture that is not often moved, then silverfish could be hiding there.

Moisture

Silverfish will make their home in moist areas, especially if there are other food sources nearby. If you have leaks or damp spots around your home, then silverfish could be feeding on the mold and mildew near these sources of water!

Proteins and Carbohydrates

Silverfish are very attracted to any food sources in your home. They will eat things like soap, hair, and book bindings. If you have a silverfish problem, then it is likely because there is something edible near their hiding spots!

How to Get Rid of Silverfish

If you spot several silverfish in your bathroom and kitchen, chances are that there is already an infestation going on. Here are the ways on how to get rid of silverfish in your home:

Remove Food Sources

If you can get rid of any food sources that silverfish are feeding on, then the problem will likely go away.

Keep your home clean and free from proteins like pet hair or human hair. If there is anything edible in their hiding spots (like bookshelves or cabinets), try to remove it, so they don’t have access to these foods.

Reduce Moisture

Make sure to get rid of any moisture sources around your home. Fix leaky faucets, make sure that water doesn’t pool up near the foundation of your house, and don’t leave dishes in the sink or a bathtub for too long!

If you have high humidity levels, then try running a dehumidifier during the summer months when these insects are most active.

Seal up Openings

These pests are tiny, so they will be able to fit through small cracks and holes around your home. Try sealing up any openings with some caulk or new paint!

It’s also a good idea to check the foundation of your house for cracks that silverfish could use as an entry point into your home.

Regularly Vacuum Upholstery and Carpets

Silverfish will go into your upholstery, baseboards, and even inside the carpeting to find food sources. Regularly vacuum around these places as well as near the foundation of your home so you can get rid of any eggs or shed skin!

In Conclusion

Silverfish can be a big problem for your home. It is important to find out what attracts them in the first place, so you know exactly where they are coming from!

This blog post has given you some insight into what attracts silverfish to your home and how you can get rid of them for good.

If you have more questions to ask or need more help with this pest control problem, feel free to contact us anytime.