How to Prevent a Silverfish Infestation
In spite of their small size, silverfish have powerful appetites. They eat almost anything, including grains, protein, sugar, and fibers.
Silverfish like moist, dark, and warm places. They are often found in closets, cupboards, and bathrooms. These secluded, damp areas provide a perfect environment for the nocturnal creatures.
If you want to prevent a silverfish infestation, keep the area clean. This includes the attic and basement.
You can also take measures to prevent them from entering your home. Sealing cracks and crevices is one way to do so. Another effective technique is storing food in tight-fitting containers with lids.
Aside from the above tips, you can keep the air in your home dry by using a dehumidifier. Alternatively, you can also reduce humidity by fixing leaky pipes or air conditioning.
The best way to avoid an infestation is to ensure that your home has no accumulated dust. Dust, primarily human skin, is a valuable source of nourishment for silverfish.
Unlike cockroaches, silverfish cannot bite people. However, they can still cause serious damage to your home and belongings.
The insects are known to be allergic to some materials. Some symptoms include itchy throat, coughing, and mucus buildup.
If you want to avoid a severe infestation, you can prevent them from getting in by denying them food. It may not be possible to eliminate them completely, but you can reduce the severity of the problem.
If you do have an infestation, you can fumigate the affected area. Boric acid is a versatile insecticide that can be used to coat the path of the silverfish.