A silverfish in your home is an alarming sight. They’re pretty creepy looking, especially if they sneak up on you while you’re in the shower. But should you be worried about these insects? Are bites or stings a concern? Let’s look at the silverfish and find out why they might be a concern for you and your home.
Do silverfish bite?
The answer is complicated. Silverfish don’t bite people, but they have been known to chow down on other things. In fact, silverfish don’t have venom inside their bodies, so they’re perfectly harmless…to you.
So silverfish aren’t dangerous?
Even though they’re not dangerous to people, they love eating all kinds of things you’d rather they not, such as books, wallpaper, shirts, clothes, or photographs. If it’s something made of starch, they want to eat it. That includes your favorite sweater, books, and even the food in your pantry.
Do silverfish spread diseases?
Silverfish are different from some insects like fleas, cockroaches, or ticks in that they’re not spreaders of disease. They can (and do), however, make the trip from your trash can to your countertops. It’s not necessarily dangerous—but it is pretty gross.
Do I need to worry about silverfish?
If you’ve got dandruff, you might be worried about silverfish feasting on the flakes in your hair. Seeing them in your closet or bookshelves should give you a moment’s pause just because of the damage they can do to your clothes and other paper products.
The real reason to worry about silverfish, though? They thrive in moist environments. If you have an abundance of them in your home, you should check for wood damage. Excessive moisture can lead to a lot of problems, including:
- Mold
- Algae
- Bugs
- Animals
If you have damaged gutters or places next to your home that turn into small ponds when it rains, the moisture damage can be extensive (and expensive). Wood rot leads to serious structural problems. Fixing the silverfish problem can help address the wood damage at the same time.
What should I do about silverfish?
Creepy little insects such as silverfish won’t harm you, but they can put a big hurt on your finances. Protect your home’s equity and safeguard the investment by inviting McCall Service to take care of your silverfish infestation. IF you’ve noticed silverfish in your Florida home, our pest control experts can help eliminate the problem and keep it from coming back. Schedule your appointment with a McCall Service professional today!
