Have you ever seen a small, shiny bug run very fast when you turn on a light? It might be a silverfish. These little critters live in our homes and have a very interesting silverfish diet. They eat many things you would not think are food. Let’s look at what silverfish eat and how to know if they are in your home.
What Silverfish Like to Eat in Your Home
Silverfish are not picky eaters. They look for food that has a lot of starch, sugar, or protein. Because they are active at night, you might not see them, but you will see the damage they cause. Knowing the common silverfish food sources helps you protect your belongings.
Paper, Books, and Glue
One of their favorite meals is paper. Silverfish love the starch and glue found in many household items. They will munch on:
- Book bindings
- Wallpaper paste
- Cardboard boxes
- Photo albums
- Magazines and mail
They scrape the surface of these items, leaving behind ragged edges and small holes.
Clothing and Fabrics
Your closet can be a buffet for silverfish. They don’t eat the fabric itself but are attracted to the starches and sugars on them. They especially like natural fibers. Watch out for damage to:
- Cotton shirts
- Linen pants
- Silk clothing
- Rayon fabrics
If you see yellow stains or tiny holes in your clothes, it could be a sign of silverfish in the house.
Food in Your Pantry
Silverfish also enjoy the same foods we do. They will get into open boxes and bags in your pantry. Their top pantry snacks include:
- Flour and cereal
- Rolled oats and pasta
- Sugar and other sweets
- Dried meat
- Pet food
It is important to keep your dry goods in sealed containers to keep these pests out. As noted by health experts at WebMD, silverfish can contaminate food, so it’s best to throw away anything you find them in.
Other Surprising Food Sources
What else do silverfish eat? You might be surprised. They also feed on:
- Human hair
- Dandruff
- Dead insects
- Their own shed skin
These items provide the protein they need to survive, especially in warmer weather.
Signs of Silverfish Activity
Because silverfish hide during the day, you often see the clues they leave behind before you see the bugs themselves. Here are some signs to look for:
- Small Holes: You may notice tiny, irregular holes in wallpaper, books, or clothing.
- Yellow Stains: Yellowish spots can appear on fabrics or paper where silverfish have been feeding.
- Black Specks: Their droppings look like tiny black pepper flecks. You might find these in cupboards, on bookshelves, or in drawers.
- Shed Skins: Silverfish shed their skin as they grow. You may find their tiny, see-through casings in the areas they hide.
How to Prevent Silverfish
The best way to deal with silverfish in the house is to make your home a place they don’t want to be.
- Reduce Moisture: Silverfish love damp, humid places. Use a dehumidifier in basements and bathrooms. Fix any leaky pipes right away.
- Seal Cracks: Close up any small cracks or holes in your walls, floors, and around pipes. This stops them from finding hiding spots and laying eggs.
- Store Items Properly: Keep books and papers in dry areas. Store clothing you don’t use often in sealed plastic containers. Make sure all your pantry food is in airtight containers.
- Clean Up: Vacuum regularly to remove crumbs, hair, and dust that they can eat. Don’t leave piles of mail or magazines lying around.
Following these steps will make your home less inviting and help you understand what do silverfish eat so you can remove their food sources.
If you have a serious silverfish problem, professional pest control services can help you get rid of them for good. Experts from companies like Better Termite advise that large infestations often need more than just DIY methods.
Don’t let silverfish ruin your favorite books or clothes. If you see signs of these pests, take action. Contact a pest control professional today for a free inspection!
Want to learn more about common household pests? Check out our other blog posts for helpful tips and tricks. Follow for more updates
FAQs
Why shouldn’t you kill silverfish?
While killing one silverfish won’t cause harm, it doesn’t solve the bigger problem. Seeing one often means there are many more hiding. It’s better to address the conditions that attract them, like moisture.
What is silverfish’s favorite food?
Silverfish love foods high in starch. Their absolute favorite foods are things like book glue, wallpaper paste, and paper.
What attracts silverfish the most?
Dark, damp, and humid places attract silverfish the most. They come looking for moisture and their favorite starchy or sugary foods.
Is it okay to live with silverfish?
Silverfish are not dangerous to people. They don’t bite or spread disease. However, they can damage your belongings like books, photos, and clothing, so it’s best to get rid of them.
Can silverfish go in your bed?
It is not common for silverfish to be in beds. They prefer areas with more moisture, but they could be attracted to starches in the fabric or dead skin cells.
Can silverfish bite you?
No, silverfish do not bite people. Their mouths are made for scraping food off surfaces, not for biting.
How do I get rid of silverfish?
You can get rid of silverfish by reducing humidity, sealing cracks, cleaning up food sources, and using traps. For a large infestation, it’s best to call a professional pest control company.
What is the lifespan of a silverfish?
Silverfish can live for a long time for an insect, typically between two and four years. Some can even live up to eight years.
What happens if I squish a silverfish?
Squishing a silverfish kills it, but it might leave a small stain on the surface. It does not attract more silverfish or cause any other problems.
