Lepisma saccharinum, otherwise known as the Silverfish, is a small, primitive species of insect in the Zygentoma order. The insect gets its name from the silvery light colour coupled with the fish-like movement style.
They are relatively common in households and learning to manage is crucial. In this article, we’ll be looking at these insects, the problems that they cause, and how to control them.
Characteristics of Silverfish
The nocturnal insect is typically between 13 to 25 mm long and a silvery colour. The abdomen tapers so it has a large head and small rear. The creature feeds on carbohydrates such as sugar or starches which it can find in abundance in homes.
When they hatch from eggs, silverfish do appear white, as they do after their moults. But they will develop their trademark silver colour quickly.
The little insect has two long cerci at the rear of the individual. These appendages could serve many purposes. They also have two long antennae. The insects also have two, relatively small compound eyes.
The species is wingless with long antennae. Its movements resemble a fish as they tend to zig-zag.
Silverfish have some unique features which include the ability to regenerate lost body parts within four weeks. The species live in colonies in damp conditions, where individuals can live for up to three years.
You’re most likely to see silverfish in your sink, kitchens, bathrooms, attics, and basements.
However, they will sometimes enter other rooms if there is ample food in there, such as around bins on the floor where sweet wrappers or sugar drink bottles/cans are discarded. They do not like the light, so will only come out at night and hide in the dark during the day.
Are Silverfish Insects?
Silverfish are insects that are considered to be some of the most primitive of species. There are some trackways from the Paleozoic Era that are considered to be potentially from silverfish. The scientific name for silverfish is Lepisma saccharinum due to its tendency to eat carbohydrates.
What Attracts Silverfish?
Several factors attract silverfish to a home.
Environmental Factors
There are several environmental factors that can contribute to an ideal habitat for silverfish. For example, they need relatively high humidity. While the majority of homes tend to have a relatively medium humidity, there are locations in the home that might have higher humidity levels, such as near windows, bathrooms, kitchens, cupboards, pipes, etc. Humidity helps the insects to moult and acts as a source of water.
Another factor is food sources. Silverfish have diverse feeding behaviours. Most will feed vegetable matter, especially on paper and fabric found around the property. However, there are some species that are omnivorous and can feed on skin particles from human shedding.
Therefore, if there are plenty of food options, then you can find colonies of this insect.
Silverfish are known to hide during the day, being sensitive to light. If they are exposed they will rush to find shelter.
Common Areas Where Silverfish Are Found
There are numerous areas where silverfish can be found around the home. This includes places where you might find lots of silverfish. This can include humid rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and attics.
You might also find them near books, where they enjoy nibbling on paper.
Some people might find them underneath furniture.
Are Silverfish Harmful?
Silverfish are often considered a dangerous pest in the home. But is this true?
Health Risks of Silverfish
Silverfish do not pose any direct risk to humans. They are rather a nuisance and can damage the home. They have no bite or sting that can harm humans. Nor are they known to carry any pathogens or diseases that can spread to humans.
There are some people who are allergic to their moults, but this is very rare and usually not a significant problem.
Perhaps one of their biggest risks is the spread of parasites to pets. But there is little evidence that they do transmit diseases like this.
Damage to Property
One of the biggest issues that silverfish bring is that they cause significant property damage.
They eat starchy materials like paper, cardboard, dead insects, and glue. They’re also known to eat emulsion in photos. Therefore, they can leave small holes in the images.
They might also eat stored foods if they’re not properly stored. Therefore, you should always make sure that you seal food containers.
Australian Silverfish: Are They Different?
Acrotelsella devriesiana is the Australian version of the silverfish that is relatively similar to the main silverfish species.
Silverfish Species in Australia
There is little that distinguishes the Australian species from that which can be found worldwide.
One specific difference is the number of cerci is three in the Australian species. These are of all similar length with the two outer cerci pointing away from the body.
There are also some other species that might be found in Australia. However, these are very similar and normally not native, having been brought to the country through human activity.
Are Silverfish Common in Australian Homes?
There are several regional factors that might contribute to infestations. For example, high-humidity areas around the coast of Australia might contribute to higher numbers, and settlements that are in the interior of the country could lead to smaller populations.
In addition, wild populations tend to be found underneath wood, in ant nests, termite mounds, or other moist areas.
How Do Silverfish Get Into Your House?
There are several ways that silverfish can get into your home. Here are some factors to consider.
Entry Points for Silverfish
There are several entry points for silverfish. They’re able to fit through some of the smallest cracks and gaps in the wall or around windows/doors. If they’re searching for a new home, they might explore these gaps to find a new nesting site in the home.
They might also be brought in through infested items such as boxes, books, food, or fabrics. If you’ve bought a secondhand rug, sofa, or mattress, you might have brought in silverfish.
Another way is by hitchhiking on firewood, clothing, shoes, or other items from outside. Being sure that you’ve cleaned items can be a good way to prevent this.
Preventing Silverfish in Your Home
There are several ways that you can prevent silverfish from accessing your home. You can seal entry points. You might also want to reduce the humidity in your home and keep it clean. Not emptying bins regularly or not sealing food containers can attract small insects.
You might also want to try cleaning more regularly to disturb areas that can often be a prime location for their colonies.
How to Get Rid of Silverfish
Even after your best efforts, you might not stop an infestation. So you might need to take more reactive measures to get rid of silverfish. There are several options here.
DIY Prevention and Control Methods
If you’re looking at DIY prevention and control methods there are plenty of options. These include the following options:
- Keep food secured in containers.
- Store seasonal clothes in airtight containers such as vacuum bags.
- Use diatomaceous earth powder when you spot silverfish, this kills them.
- Regularly clean your home.
- Use essential oils as a natural repellent for silverfish and other insects.
- You can use sticky traps, like those found at Envirobug, to catch silverfish.
- Improve ventilation around key rooms such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry.
- Keep laundry bins as clear as possible.
- Reduce the spread of food in the house.
- Remove old carpets and rugs if they become infested.
Professional Pest Control Options
If your efforts are not yielding results, which they might not do for several weeks or months, then you might consider using a professional pest controller. Using a professional can mean that you identify what is attracting the bugs to your home and improve your home’s environment. They can also help you control the infestation, giving you back control of your home.
Final Word:
Silverfish aren’t dangerous, but they are a pest that can cause significant damage to treasured items. Therefore, learning how to identify, locate, and control them can be an important part of any household management routine and pest control activities. Above are some of the simple tips that can help you manage these small insects.
