Key Points at a Glance:
- Silverfish are tiny, harmless insects and can be eliminated with a few simple tricks
- Silverfish are harmless insects and can be eliminated with a few simple tricks
- These little animals can live up to 5 years.
- Simple home remedies help get rid of the pests
They can be found in most households, but nobody likes them: silverfish. We’ve all been there: you’re busy in the kitchen or bathroom, and out of nowhere a silverfish darts past you. But what many people dread is actually nothing to worry about. Silverfish are actually wingless and harmless primitive insects. But where does the name “silverfish” even come from? The name “silverfish” is primarily due to their scaly bodies, which appear silver-gray when light reflects off them.
These little creatures particularly like darkness, warmth, and moisture. They are often found in places with high humidity, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Silverfish feed mainly on sugary foods and can live up to 5 years. But silverfish don’t just wander into our homes. They usually live in pipes and plumbing, where they find the best living conditions (warmth and moisture). They only leave their habitat when they find sufficiently warm and damp nooks and crannies, as well as enough food.
Simple steps can help
Silverfish do not pose a health risk to humans. Others, however, may well have a problem with them—such as dust mites. That’s because these tiny insects are on the dust mites’ menu, among other things. Even though they pose no danger to us, we’d prefer to get rid of them right away. However, it’s important to make sure you don’t just scare them away, but actually remove them completely from your home. This is especially important because these tiny creatures live in the cracks and crevices of your home and can always find a place to hide. Here are what we consider to be the most important tips:
- Mix baking powder with sugar and place it near the silverfish.
- You can lure the insects using a mason jar filled with oatmeal. It’s important to wrap a string or piece of paper around the outside of the jar all the way up to the opening. The silverfish will then get inside the jar but won’t be able to get back out.
- Another well-known method is the homemade sticky trap, which is made from strips of parchment paper coated with honey. It’s best to set these out at night.
If none of these measures work
If the tips mentioned above for getting rid of silverfish don't work, your only option is probably to call in a professional pest control specialist who is thoroughly familiar with the methods for controlling them.
