Silverfish: A Small Creature in the Gaps
In daily life, we may have encountered a tiny insect with a long, flat body, covered in silver-gray scales, quietly scurrying through the gaps in books, clothing, or furniture. These little creatures are commonly known as "silverfish." Although silverfish do not bite humans or spread diseases, their destructive power to books, clothes, and other household items is not to be underestimated. Today, let's delve into this invisible indoor threat — the silverfish.
Ⅰ. Biological Characteristics of Silverfish
1. Physical Features：Silverfish, also known as booklice, bristletails, or paperfish, belong to the order Zygentoma and the family Lepismatidae. They have a long, flat body, typically about 10 millimeters in length, and are covered with silver-gray scales. Their head, thorax, and abdomen are not clearly differentiated. The head is small, and the antennae are long and whip-like. Their mouthparts are underdeveloped, but they are efficient at chewing. Silverfish lack compound eyes, having instead 12 simple eyes that form a compound eye structure. The thorax is relatively wide, with one pair of spiracles on the middle and hind thorax. They are wingless, with three pairs of legs under the thorax. Their abdomen tapers towards the tail, and the end of the abdomen has two pairs of equal-length cerci and one tail-like appendage.
2.Habits：Silverfish prefer dark and damp environments and often hide in areas such as stacks of old books with paste, artwork, woolen clothing, paper-covered boxes, and even the bottoms of refrigerators, behind heaters, bathroom corners, cracks in floor tiles, and kitchen wall gaps. They are nocturnal creatures and are sensitive to temperature and humidity. The optimal temperature for silverfish is between 16°C and 30°C (60°F to 86°F), and they thrive in relative humidity levels of 75% to 95%. When the temperature and humidity are not suitable, silverfish will migrate to more favorable environments. They are highly adaptable and can survive in harsh conditions.
Ⅱ. Damage Caused by Silverfish
Although silverfish do not directly bite humans, their damage is considerable. Their diet is broad and includes grains, processed foods, herbs, organic matter in household dust, photographs, paper, glue, cotton fabrics, animal hides, silk fibers, and even human skin flakes — all rich in proteins, sugars, and trace elements. Both silverfish larvae and adults share similar dietary preferences, with sugary foods being particularly attractive to them.
For households, the most significant damage silverfish cause is to books, clothing, and other personal items. They can chew through the bindings, covers, and paper of books, as well as the fibers of clothing, causing irreversible harm. Additionally, silverfish may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly in areas like study rooms.
Ⅲ. Methods for Controlling Silverfish
1.Maintain Dryness
Silverfish thrive in damp environments, so controlling indoor humidity is key to preventing and managing silverfish infestations. Using dehumidifiers or air conditioners to lower humidity, especially in damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens, can help keep the environment dry and clean.
2.Clean the Environment
Regularly cleaning the corners of the home, floors, bookshelves, kitchen, and bathrooms is crucial to remove food residues, dust, and debris that may attract silverfish. This includes getting rid of old books, papers, and clothing, all of which can serve as hiding spots and food sources for silverfish.
3.Seal Gaps
Silverfish prefer hiding in narrow gaps and cracks. Therefore, it’s important to check the walls, floors, doors, and windows in your home and seal any cracks or gaps promptly. This will prevent silverfish from entering.
4.Use Traps
There are special sticky traps or attractants on the market designed to lure and capture silverfish. Regularly check and clean these traps to remove any captured insects.
5.Natural Repellents
Certain natural substances, such as essential oils (lavender, mint, eucalyptus, etc.), have insect-repellent properties. Placing sachets of these oils or spraying natural repellents in areas where silverfish frequently appear can help deter them. While the effect may be slow, these methods are non-toxic to humans and environmentally friendly.
Although silverfish do not pose a direct threat to human health, the damage they can cause to household items and their potential to trigger allergic reactions should not be underestimated. By regularly cleaning, controlling humidity, and sealing cracks, you can effectively prevent silverfish infestations. If silverfish have already appeared in your home, timely action to control them is essential. Understanding their habits and taking preventive measures can help protect your living space and avoid the nuisance caused by silverfish.
Quote:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silverfish
https://www.orkin.com/pests/silverfish/signs-of-silverfish-damage
https://www.orkin.com/pests/silverfish