Problems Caused By Silverfish
So you have silverfish in your home, but it’s not really a problem, right? Wrong!
In this article we’ll discuss what silverfish are, the potential problems that can result from a silverfish infestation, and when to contact the team at Sun Dry for assistance.
What Are Silverfish?
Silverfish are small insects from the Bristletail family. They are a silver-grey colour and scaly, moving in a similar way to fish (which is how they get their name).
Often, they take up residence in damp, dark places such as the bathroom or pantry, but they can also appear in other areas of your home.
Are Silverfish Harmful to Humans?
Compared to other insects, silverfish aren’t that harmful to humans. They can, however, cause some serious problems which can lead to health issues and damage around your home.
Common Problems Caused By Silverfish
Silverfish may be one of the less harmful pests out there, but that doesn’t mean they can’t cause major issues if you ignore an infestation. In this section, we’ll go through some of the potential problems that may arise from having silverfish in your home:
Attract Other Pests
One of the biggest problems caused by silverfish is that they tend to attract other pests. Carpet beetles, spiders, earwigs and other insects like to feed on silverfish and if they find their food source in your home, they’re more likely to take up residence.
Contaminate Food
Silverfish love sugar and starchy products. The issue is that they can easily chew through packaging and contaminate your food, which can cause health issues or damage your groceries if not addressed quickly.
Unexplained Allergies or Asthma Symptoms
If there are silverfish in your home, you may experience unexplained allergies or asthma symptoms such as inflammation and trouble breathing.
This can be caused from being bitten and coming into contact with the insect itself (or their skin and waste), and you are especially at risk if you are already asthmatic.
Damage to Belongings
Like sugar and starch, silverfish are also drawn to paper-based items like books and wallpaper (as well as the glue that holds them together). They have even been known to chew through clothing and linen, which is why they are sometimes found in your bed or closet.
When to Contact Sun Dry
As professional pest inspectors with decades of experience in the industry, our specialist team members know just what to do when you have – or suspect you have – a silverfish infestation.
If you have any of the signs we’ve listed above in your home and no other viable reason for it, it’s time to contact Sun Dry.
