Do Silverfish Cause Any Damage?
WouterIt’s not always easy to know whether or not your silverfish infestation is causing damage. You might not be aware that your household items are damaged, but they can be expensive to replace. If you have a lot of damaged items, you might want to consider hiring a professional cleaner.
Silverfish don’t bite humans, but they do cause damage to books, wallpaper, and clothing. They can also be a hazard to people with allergies. Symptoms include an itchy throat, coughing, and mucus build-up.
Silverfish have a fish-like body and appendages that look like pincers. They eat cellulose, starch, dead insects, and plant material.
Silverfish prefer dark, moist environments. Often, they congregate in damp areas, such as basements. This can be dangerous for pets and children.
The silverfish infestation may be a sign of water damage. To prevent these insects, you should check for leaky pipes. Also, increasing ventilation can help. Changing the house’s environment can take time, so you might not be able to determine if your remedial efforts are working.
There are two types of insecticides that can be used to kill silverfish. pyrethrin, derived from chrysanthemum flowers, is a natural product that works well, but permethrin is a more effective synthetic option. Boric acid, which is a poison, can also be used. However, this should only be used in diluted form, as it can be harmful to humans.
Before you can begin your silverfish infestation control efforts, you’ll need to eliminate the source of their food. Many of the products available on the market are not effective.
