Silverfish Bug – What They Are, And How To Get Rid Of Them

The Silverfish Bug, or Lepisma saccharina, is a common household pest. Silverfish have been around for over 300 million years. Unlike the dirty cockroach, which can spread disease, bite, and cause worsening of asthma and allergies, Silverfish don’t spread diseases. Silverfish are wingless insects about three-quarters of an inch long. They have long antennae. They are named for their silvery color, tiny scales, and fish like movements. The Silverfish Bug is nocturnal, like most other household pests, except for ants – one of the most searched insect in the household for insect identification.

They are found throughout much of the world and like moist environments, such as basements and bathrooms. They are also found in garages, attics, and closets. A Silverfish Bug can live for two to eight years. Infant silverfish are called nymphs. Silverfish are often mistaken for Fire-brats, but Fire brats are smaller and darker.

The Silverfish Bug – What Does It Do?

Unlike cockroaches and rats, silverfish don’t spread disease or cause asthma and allergies. Silverfish eat carbohydrates and protein, hence the scientific name of Lepisma saccharina. The Silverfish bug is a big eater. They are often found in libraries because they like to eat paper, magazines, glue, and book bindings.

In the home, Silverfish have been known to eat wallpaper, carpet, clothes, photographs, paper insulation, storage boxes, flour, oats, and dried meat. Silverfish contaminate food and damage household property.

The Silverfish Bug – What Are Some Way To Get Rid of It?

First, remove or properly store items that Silverfish like to eat. Old clothes, magazines, books, papers, and cardboard boxes stored in attics, basements, and closets are buffets to Silverfish. These items should either be discarded, or stored in plastic tubs with tight-fitting lids. Any paper items of value, such as books or important documents, should be safely stored in containers impenetrable to Silverfish and other pests such as mice. Silverfish can come into the home in cardboard boxes or old books from libraries or thrift stores. Thoroughly look over items such as these before bringing them inside.

Because Silverfish like dampness, use air conditioning, fans, or dehumidifiers in places where items tempting to the Silverfish’s appetite are stored. Plumbing leaks, such as under sinks and in basements, create habitat preferred by Silverfish. Take a look around the house and make any repairs necessary to make it less inviting to Silverfish.

For a small amount of Silverfish, sticky traps may be used. Since Silverfish also live in the outdoors, treating the perimeter of the home with chemicals may stop them from coming inside. For large infestations, chemicals such as Drione Dust may be used. Drione Dust is an insect desiccant. It is applied in places where insect pests such as Silverfish live. Once applied to an area, insects can’t live there any more. In addition to killing Silverfish, Drione Dust also eliminates ants, bedbugs, cockroaches, dry wood termites, pill bugs, fleas, ticks, and wasps. When applied properly in only the areas where the insects live, Drione Dust should be safe for use in a home with pets and children.

Finally, for large or persistent infestations, seeking the services of a professional exterminator may be the wisest course of action to get rid of the silverfish bug.

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