🐟 If you find silverfish, what does it mean?
Usually, it does not mean your home is dirty. Silverfish are attracted mainly to:
- Moisture and humidity
- Dark, sheltered spaces
- Starchy or cellulose materials such as paper, cardboard, glue and some stored foods.
What you should do
1. Check for moisture.
Look for leaking pipes, dripping faucets, damp walls, or poor bathroom ventilation.
2. Reduce humidity.
Ventilate bathrooms after showers and consider a dehumidifier in persistently damp areas.
3. Remove hiding places.
Reduce piles of cardboard, paper and clutter, particularly in dark cupboards and storage areas.
4. Seal cracks and gaps.
Caulk openings around windows, doors, pipes and baseboards where insects may enter.
5. Watch for repeated sightings.
One silverfish doesn’t necessarily mean an infestation. Repeated sightings, shed skins, droppings, or damage to books/paper suggest a larger problem.
Are silverfish dangerous?
Generally, no. They don’t bite or sting people and aren’t considered a significant disease threat. Their main concern is damage to paper products, wallpaper, books and some stored materials.
