How dangerous are silverfish really? What are the causes?

Silverfish don't have a very good reputation with most people. They are perceived as annoying and disgusting. But are the urine insects that have populated our planet for more than 300 million years also dangerous? Do they even bite? And what are the underlying causes of a silverfish infestation? In this guide you will find clear and detailed answers to the important questions.

causes

Causes of visiting silverfish

If you meet a single fish every now and then, it usually doesn't mean anything. Nevertheless, it is advisable to check various parameters for their characteristics and, under certain circumstances, to take countermeasures. Silverfish like two things above all: warmth and moisture.

warmth

Too warm rooms

Like humans, the silverfish prefer to stay in pleasantly warm regions. Constant temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius offer the insect good conditions for foraging and reproduction. In this respect, one should be careful not to overdo the heating. Then the chances are good that the fish will stay away.

humidity

Too damp rooms

In addition to warmth, moisture also plays an essential role. Silverfish depend on humid areas in order to feel comfortable and to be able to reproduce. That is why they prefer to appear in the bathroom, toilet or kitchen. It is important to ventilate all rooms regularly in order to conduct the moisture to the outside and to prevent the insects from moving in and / or from multiplying.

Hygiene deficiencies

Lack of hygiene

If there is an increased amount of dust, hair, skin flakes or mites in the household, the silverfish will be happy. The elements mentioned are among the revered favorite foods of the insects. Insects are therefore attracted to unsanitary conditions. Accordingly, you should always use vacuum cleaners, Swiffer and Co. to keep your home clean.

Leaks

Cracks and leaky walls

Silverfish measure just two centimeters - including the characteristic antennae at the front and back. They fit easily through small cracks. Even leaky walls, which are typical in old buildings, do not represent any serious obstacles for the crawling pieces of silver. If you discover holes in joints, it is best to seal them with silicone as quickly as possible.

Note: Such holes also serve the light-shy fish as places of retreat during the day and as breeding grounds for their eggs.

conicidence

In fact, it can also be sheer coincidence that a little fish got lost in your home of all places. It may "originally" come from the neighbor and came to you through leaky walls or old pipes to see what was there. If it doesn't find what it longs for in your home, you will certainly get rid of the insect very quickly.

Note: “Pipelines” is a good keyword. Silverfish in Central Europe only settle in the sewers, through which they often gain access to houses. It would be too cold for the insects outside.

Dangerousness

Silverfish - not dangerous, but harmful

The causes of silverfish in the home can therefore be of different nature. Of course, the question inevitably arises as to whether the insects and their eggs are dangerous or even poisonous in any way. No, that is not the case, we can anticipate that much right away. Nevertheless, you should be on your guard, because other types of damage are conceivable.

No health hazard

Silverfish do not pose a health hazard to humans or pets such as cats and dogs. Scientific research has shown that the insects do not transmit any pathogens. They don't bite either. In this respect, you do not need to worry excessively if you go to the toilet at night silver-colored, shiny animal crosses your path or you even come into direct contact with it come.

However, the fish are not completely harmless either. It is true that they cannot harm humans or pets directly. But they have the ability and desire to make some of their possessions their own.

Clothing and books for food

Unlike most other living things, silverfish are able to digest cellulose, which is contained in the fabrics of clothes or wall hangings, for example. In this respect, the insects really enjoy nibbling on your T-shirts, blouses, shirts, pants and skirts. It does not matter whether the respective item of clothing is made of cotton, linen or silk: Every fabric tastes good - but only when it is in the damp bathroom or washroom.

Tip: You can tell that a silverfish has probably misappropriated your clothes by black traces of excrement and yellowish discoloration, which you cannot explain otherwise.

Paper also contains cellulose. Accordingly, silverfish do not shy away from books by well-known writers. You grasp it unabashedly and destroy the pages or - with the greatest preference - the cover. However, the insects only enjoy your precious literature if it has had to spend a longer period in a damp environment and reveals appropriate traces. Otherwise the little fish are less interested in the art of writing.

Interest in sugary foods

However, silverfish are not entirely satisfied with strange food such as clothing, wallpaper and books. They also target certain “right” foods. Mainly products containing sugar and starch are to be mentioned. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that a silverfish might sneak into your pantry every now and then to look for suitable food. The food of dogs and cats in the bowl also appeals to the fish.

Usefulness of the silverfish

Silverfish - harmful, but also useful

Despite their ungodly behavior towards appetizing clothes, books and It would be wrong to clearly identify silverfish as pests for food that is humanly owned describe. In fact, animals also have some beneficial properties that can even be beneficial to human health.

Dust mites without a chance

Dust mites are high on the silverfish menu. This is an advantage for people who are allergic to the mites or their droppings. In addition, the little fish clean the ground, so to speak, by eating fallen hair and flakes of skin from the two-legged inhabitants.

Little mold fighters

Anyone who has mold on the walls can also "benefit" from silverfish. The insects find the fungus extremely tasty and thus reduce any mold infestation, which has been proven to be harmful to Homo sapiens.

Silverfish as a warning sign

In connection with the enthusiasm of the silver fish for mold, the increased occurrence of small insects can also be interpreted as a warning signal. In other words, if you suddenly have a lot of fish to complain about in your home, this often indicates a mold infestation. As a result, you should check your walls for traces of mold and, if necessary, hire a professional company to remove the fungus.

Countermeasures

Be careful with countermeasures

When there is an increased occurrence of silverfish, the aim is logically to put an end to the unwanted activity as quickly as possible. For this purpose there are meanwhile a number of means that promise quick help against the adult insects and their laid eggs. However, these are usually chemicals that are not always the best choice. If you have cats or dogs at home, you should definitely refrain from using such utensils.

Bait cans harm pets

Bug sprays and bait cans can now be found in numerous supermarkets and drug stores - including those that are supposed to help against silverfish. However, these products contain chemical substances that in some cases also attract dogs and cats, encourage them to lick and bite and can harm their beloved pets because they are poisonous. It is therefore advisable to refrain from using appropriate chemical clubs if you share your home with four-legged friends. The same applies in the event that you have small, insane children in the house.

Safe alternatives

There are enough alternatives available that are chemical-free and can therefore be used without hesitation. In this article we will describe many home remedies that have proven themselves in the fight against the fish.

Proven home remedies for fighting silverfish

Conclusion

The most important information is that silverfish are generally not dangerous. Nevertheless, in the event of a stronger fish plague, you should get to the bottom of the cause - possibly a harmful mold infestation is behind it. Occasionally it may even make sense to tolerate one or the other silverfish - for example in the case of an allergy to house dust mites.

If you want to get rid of the silvery shiny insects, it is advisable to use chemical means such as Avoid bug sprays or bait boxes - especially if you are with pets and / or small children living together. Instead, use a variant that is as harmless as possible for everyone involved to keep the fish away from your living space in the future.