What Humidity Do Silverfish Need?

Silverfish are insects that live in moist places. They are nocturnal and tend to live in areas where they can hide in darkness.

They are omnivorous and feed on a variety of carbohydrates and proteins. Food items such as cereal, flour, and cereal boxes can be eaten by silverfish.

Their diet is high in starch. Their feces look like black pepper-like pellets. Generally, silverfish cannot survive in very low relative humidity. However, they do not die in cold weather.

Silverfish are common throughout the United States. They can be found in homes, office buildings, and basements.

Their antennae can be very long, enabling them to reach virtually all corners of a room. The female produces pheromones that trigger aggregation. This means they need a warm, humid environment in order to breed.

Although they are usually found in damp areas, they can be a problem in dry, shady conditions. These critters prefer a relative humidity of at least 75%.

You can prevent them from invading your home by keeping the house clean and by storing things in airtight containers. Also, removing carpeting can make your home less attractive to silverfish.

You can also dehumidify your bathroom. Dehumidifiers work by reducing the amount of moisture in the air. Relative humidity can be as low as 30%, especially in winter.

Another way to avoid silverfish infestations is to seal up leaky pipes. Leaky toilets and pipes near sinks are prime breeding grounds for these little pests.