07 May Silverfish: what they are, why they appear and how to remove them
Silverfish are small, fast, and quiet insects that often appear in humid home environments, especially bathrooms, kitchens, or basements. Although they are not dangerous to human health, their constant presence can be annoying and in some cases indicative of major problems such as leaking or excess moisture. At Humilogic, we know that understanding their behavior, the factors that favor their appearance and how to effectively eliminate them is key to maintaining a healthy home environment.
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What are the little silver fishes and how to recognize them
The silver minnows, known scientifically as Lepisma saccharina, are primitive insects that measure between 1 and 2 centimeters. Their elongated, flattened body is covered with tone, giving them that characteristic silver look. They have no wings, but move very fast, which often makes it difficult to catch them or even see them clearly.
Where can we see them?
They tend to live in dark and damp areas, such as behind bathroom furniture, behind walls, under the sink or in poorly ventilated corners. They are nocturnal and feed on starchy substances such as paper, cardboard, food scraps or even glue.This makes them unwanted visitors to homes, offices, libraries or storage rooms. Their continued presence may be a sign that there is a structural problem in the house. If you encounter them frequently, there may be condensation humidity, an undetected leak or a higher than recommended ambient humidity level.
Why do silver fish appear at home?
The main cause of the appearance of silver fishes is excess moisture. These insects thrive in environments where relative humidity levels exceed 70%, especially if the temperature is warm and there is little ventilation. That’s why they are more common in bathrooms without windows, kitchens with poor extraction or poorly insulated basements.
In addition, their ability to hide in cracks, crevices or behind building materials makes them persistent invaders. Even if visible specimens are removed, eggs or individuals may remain hidden in inaccessible places, allowing them to reappear over time if the source of the problem is not addressed.
How to prevent and eliminate silver fishes
Below, we will give you a series of tips to know how to prevent and eliminate these annoying bugs from your home:
- Control ambient humidity: keep relative humidity below 60% by using dehumidifiers or improving natural ventilation. Silver minnows need moist environments to survive, so eliminating the excess is key.
- Seal cracks and crevices: check sockets, joints and corners where they can be hidden and put silicone or putty to seal them. You prevent them from breeding or hiding in hidden areas.
- Ventilate bathrooms and kitchens daily: open windows or install extractors that favor the renewal of air. Constant ventilation helps to dry the environment and hinders its proliferation.
- Eliminate accessible food sources: avoid leaving paper, cardboard or organic debris in wet areas. Clean thoroughly and often prevent them from finding sustenance.
- Use specific cleaning products with caution: there are traps and insecticide treatments designed for these insects. Use them as support, but always prioritize eliminating the cause of the problem: moisture.
In Humilogic we are specialists in detection and treatment of structural moisture, condensation and associated problems such as silver fish. We have tailor-made solutions for homes, offices and commercial spaces, combining technical diagnosis and effective treatments. If you need help to recover a healthy environment, do not wait any longer and contact our team of professionals.