What Attracts Silverfish To Your Home?

Paper is one of silverfish’s favorite foods. They are attracted to and consume a wide range of paper. This is why silverfish are often found in homes and libraries. Silverfish require starch in their diet, which is why they choose to eat paper.

Silverfish are fast-moving, nocturnal insects with many of the same behaviors as cockroaches. Silverfish, like cockroaches, can cause allergic reactions in some people, but they are primarily nuisance pests that do not bite and are unlikely to spread diseases. However, they may contaminate food, ruin paper goods, and stain your clothing, so you don’t want them in your house.

The Main Things That Attract Silverfish

Silverfish are a typical problem in many homes. In people’s houses, these little silver creatures are frequently discovered in libraries, attics, and storage spaces. They are notorious for eating and damaging items. If you want to get rid of a silverfish infestation or discourage the kind of things they like to consume, it’s crucial to understand what attracts silverfish and what they prefer to eat.

There are three main things that silverfish look for when they’re in search of a new home:

Moisture

Silverfish are attracted to humid, damp places since they require a high level of humidity (above 75 percent) to survive. Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, garages, and cabinets are all common locations for silverfish. They can stray out of high-humidity regions for a short time, but they prefer higher humidity levels.

Warm, Dark Spaces

Silverfish tend to prefer dark areas with temperatures between 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Silverfish are nocturnal feeders that get their food at night, run about during the night and hide in small dark places away from people. We can then assume that silverfish dislike light and heat, even if they enjoy humid climates and temperatures. You’re more likely to find them in a gloomy basement than a hot attic, particularly in the summer.

Food Source

Carbohydrate foods, such as oats, flours, starch, paper, glue, insulation, old cardboard boxes, and even book bindings are among the silverfish’s favorite meals. And since they are tiny invertebrates that don’t need a lot to survive and relax for most of the day. They’re also willing to feed on proteins from dead insects or even dried beef.

What Do Silverfish Like To Eat?

As stated above, silverfish like to eat foods that are high in starches and carbs. But what exactly is it that they eat? Let’s find out.

Paper

Paper is a favorite food of silverfish. They need a lot of starch in their diet, which surprisingly paper has. Silverfish are particularly fond of older paper, as it contains more starches and is easier for them to digest.

Human Food

Silverfish, like other arthropods, enjoy eating human food. Because to this, kitchens are another common infestation site. Silverfish particularly adore sugar and coffee. Dried pasta and dried meat, flour, and rolled oats are some of the foods that silverfish like to consume.

Toothpaste

Another non-food item that silverfish adore to consume is toothpaste. It includes starches and dextrin. Toothpaste has been consumed by silverfish out of the tube or off the edge of your sink. The pleasure silverfish take in toothpaste is one reason why keeping your bathroom clean is important.

Silverfish are voracious eaters that enjoy eating both human and non-food items. It’s not only important to understand what they will and will not consume when combating a silverfish infestation, but it can also assist you in protecting the things they eat from getting damaged.

Glue

Glues, especially those used in bookbinding and photo albums, are another favorite food of silverfish. It’s the polysaccharides in glue that attract silverfish, particularly a type of polysaccharide called dextrin.

Cloth & Clothing

Silverfish enjoy eating polysaccride in several textiles, including linen, silk, and cotton. They love eating the polysaccride in these materials, which explains why costume stores, attics, and closets are such popular locations for them. Silverfish have been observed eating a variety of materials, including leather and synthetic fabrics if cotton, linen, or silk are not available. They’ve also been seen damaging wall tapestries.

Get Rid Of Silverfish By Making Your Home Unwelcoming To Them

If you’re planning to prevent a silverfish infestation or get rid of one you already have, consider the following suggestions and methods:

Remove Their Food Sources

In plastic airtight containers, store dry food items like cereal, flour, pasta, and pet food. Make sure to also get rid of paper and fabrics in the rooms that they are often spotted.

Reduce Moisture

Repair any leaky pipes and faucets. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas to help reduce water condensation and humidity, and use a ventilation fan when you take a shower or are cooking. Keep gutters and downspouts free of debris, and grade your landscaping so water drains away from your house.

Vacuum The Carpet, Floors & Furniture Regularly

Silverfish love hiding and laying their eggs in seams, crevices, and cracks, so focus your efforts on these areas while cleaning. Remove the vacuum contents outside to prevent insects from escaping into your home.

Seal Any Openings With Silicone

Caulk around windows and door trim, as well as beneath and behind baseboards, to restrict access to your home. You should also seal any holes in walls or floors where pipes pass.

There are also a lot of natural ways to get rid of silverfish that you could try. You will need to attempt many of these methods to find out what works best for you and your situation.

Conclusion

Silverfish are a common household pest that can cause a lot of damage. It’s important to understand what they like to eat and how to get rid of them so you can protect your home and belongings.

There are many methods you can use, both commercial and natural. Try a few until you find the one that works best for your situation.

• Remove their food sources (carbohydrates)
• Reduce the moisture in your home with a dehumidifier
• Vacuum regularly
• Seal any entrances and exits with silicone
• Lower the temperature in your house (below 70 degrees)

To get rid of silverfish, it’s important to understand what they like to eat and remove their food sources. You can also reduce moisture in your home, vacuum regularly, and seal any openings with silicone caulking. If these methods don’t work, contact a professional pest control company for assistance.