Silverfish are small primitive insects that live in your home. They are toxic, eat starches, and leave a yellow residue. You should know that they are one of the oldest insects on earth. Thankfully, they are relatively easy to eradicate and will leave your home much cleaner than before. Keep reading to find out more about these pesky creatures. Also, learn why silverfish are so dangerous. If you want to prevent them from causing harm to your home, learn more about the ways to get rid of them.
Silverfish are considered to be one of the oldest and most primitive insects on planet Earth
Silverfish are nocturnal insects, and their appearance resembles a small fish. They lack wings, and their long antennae enable them to move in a wiggling motion, similar to fish. They are not disease-carrying or venomous, but they can cause damage to your treasured items. Theyfeed on starch, sugars, and microscopic mould. They have six legs and can run horizontally. In fact, some members of the genus Thysanura are completely eyeless.
The first insects were incredibly primitive – a mere millimeter long – and lived in the soil. They probably lived in decomposing vegetation and cracks in the ground. They ate bacteria, fungi, and protozoa and had an abdomen with sensory structures and a mouthpart where they could reproduce. Although this is a relatively recent discovery, it’s a proof that insects existed long before humans did.
They are toxic
It is important to know that silverfish are toxic and can damage your belongings. Typically they live in buildings and infest paper and cardboard items. They are drawn to the presence of sugar and starch in these materials, such as food and clothing. While they can eat any type of protein and carbohydrate, they prefer to feed on dead insects and proteins. Moreover, they will happily eat other silverfish. Luckily, these pests do not damage structural elements of your home, so you can safely get rid of them with a silverfish exterminator.
Although silverfish are not harmful to humans, they are highly toxic to pets. Generally, pets do not consume them, but they may ingest them accidentally. This is especially true if they ingest a large number of silverfish. However, in some cases, they might be harmful to children, so it is advisable to exterminate them as soon as you notice their presence. Aside from being a nuisance, silverfish can also cause damage to valuable items in your home.
They eat starches
These little critters are attracted to warm, moist areas and food sources. They can live for months without eating. Silverfish will also feed on dead insects and their body coverings. Listed below are some common foods that they like to feed on. A silverfish’s diet is varied, but they prefer starches and carbohydrates. These little creatures are known as pantry pests because they love starchy food, such as bread, pasta, and cereal.
While silverfish are omnivorous feeders, they prefer starch and sugary food items. Some of these items include cereal, flour, glue on book bindings, wallpaper, clothing, and even starched food. Unlike many other insects, silverfish do not harm pets or humans. They do, however, gnaw on carpet and upholstery. To prevent an infestation, the best way to get rid of silverfish is to remove food sources and keep the perimeter of your home clean.
They leave a yellow residue
The droppings of silverfish look like tiny black peppercorns and can easily be mistaken for general dust. Silverfish are nocturnal and shed their skin throughout their life cycle, leaving a yellow residue behind. If you notice yellow stains or dust on any surfaces in your home, it is a sign of silverfish activity. If you’ve seen yellow stains, you should immediately contact a pest control service to help prevent further infestation.
A silverfish allergy can cause symptoms such as coughing, itchy throat, and mucus buildup. The severity of the reaction depends on the sensitivity of the individual. Those with asthma or a severe sensitivity to dust can have an allergic reaction to even a minor irritant. Therefore, it is important to exterminate silverfish infestations to prevent further allergy symptoms. It’s also important to remove traces of the insects’ waste as soon as possible after they’re discovered.
They can be controlled with insecticides
Although there are hundreds of commercial insecticides for silverfish, most of them have not been thoroughly tested to kill this pest. Using insecticides to control an infestation should be reserved for large or extreme infestations. Insecticides are not effective without moisture, food, and hiding places. To reduce the chances of exposure, prevent silverfish from coming into the house by sealing exterior holes. You can also apply boric acid to cracks and crevices in the basement or attic.
Insecticides for silverfish control are available in many forms, including aerosols, dusts, and residuals. These products are ideal for use in attics and crawl spaces. If you cannot locate a suitable insecticide for your home, you can also use a commercial silverfish trap to catch these insects in dark places. These traps are designed to prevent silverfish from entering a room and should be placed in a non-toxic area. Insecticides can also be applied to cracks and doors. Some of these products are non-toxic to humans, but they will kill silverfish.
They are easy to identify
If you have noticed silverfish in your home, you can eliminate them by following some simple steps. First, clean up any areas that have a lot of dust. If you don’t have too much dust in your home, silverfish are unlikely to have a hard time finding a place to live. Also, be sure to clean your attic or basement to remove any dust that may have collected. When cleaning, make sure to remove any areas that are not being used and clean any debris that may have collected there.
To distinguish silverfish from their cousins, you must understand their physical appearance. Centipedes look similar to silverfish, but they have distinct physical features. These creatures have up to 30 legs and move quickly. They feed on a variety of pests and are easy to identify. However, if you notice a large number of silverfish in your home, you might be tempted to confuse them with other insects.
