Silverfish are very small insects that you might see with or without an infestation. Silverfish in homes can be in the bathroom, in the kitchen, in the garage, in linen closets and dressers, under carpets and baseboards—basically anywhere indoors. Pest Control Canberra
Silverfish survive by eating starchy foods like wallpaper paste, glues made of proteins (on book bindings), starches (in clothing starch), sugar (such as on unwashed dishes or damp towels), cotton products (such as cotton balls or rags), leather products (can be found in shoes) and also synthetic fibers which they’re attracted to. Silverfish eat glue from stamps and envelopes; they enjoy dead skin cells our bodies leave behind on bookshelves and tables. Silverfish also eat natural fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, and rayon.
Silverfish do not eat synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon. Silverfish will breed in dark areas where they can avoid predators and have a humid environment with food sources nearby. Silverfish heat up their metabolism to digest the food they eat then cool down again as quickly as possible as to keep from drying out due to high humidity levels.
Silverfish are insects that go through incomplete metamorphosis; this means there is no larval stage between larvae and adult silverfish. Silverfish lay eggs which look like small elongated oval sacs around 1/16 inch long by 3/16 inch wide filled powdery granules called frass that the larvae leave behind to mark their trail. Silverfish eggs are laid in secluded areas, it can take up to six months for silverfish eggs to hatch.
Silverfish have three molts before they reach adulthood which takes between 20 weeks and four years or more Silverfish eat through drywall or plaster by producing digestive enzymes called transglutaminases which break down proteins into amino acids. Silverfish Control Canberra
Silverfish will usually keep to themselves but will infest homes if conditions are right, infestation usually starts from no food source then follows with high humidity. Silverfish are not believed to be carriers of diseases even though they’re considered pests, however there is no proof so far that these insects carry diseases. Silverfish can cause asthma attacks, produce offensive odors, and stain fabrics with their secretions.
Silverfish can live up to three months without food, they’re pale white in color, about ¾ of an inch long, have two antennae (feelers) that are very sensitive for detecting prey, two compound eyes which give them good night vision and make silverfish look like they’re always scurrying around.
Silverfish bodies are covered with overlapping scales; it is hard for silverfish to hold onto smooth surfaces like glass or plastic so use these materials when trapping them. Silverfish will also hide under towels or rags left on the floor.
Silverfish prefer dry conditions but if there’s high humidity then you might want to get rid of them to keep your home in good condition. Silverfish can be very destructive in homes, they’re attracted to paper because of the glue on it so silverfish will eat papers with starch in them like envelopes and stamps Silverfish feed on the paste that coats the back of wallpaper when silverfish eat wallpaper they cause severe damage by building nests under wallpaper or baseboards.
2 thoughts on “Repel and Prevent Silverfish in Your Home”
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Very good blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely overwhelmed .. Any recommendations? Many thanks!
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