Silverfish are notorious for their destructive feeding habits in residential spaces. These nocturnal, wingless insects are attracted to a variety of food sources commonly found within human dwellings. Their feeding preferences contribute to their resilience and ability to inhabit various spaces. While silverfish have a diverse diet, which includes sugars, starches, cellulose, and proteins, they can survive up to a year without food in moist environments.
By understanding and addressing what attracts silverfish to your home, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of an infestation and protect your belongings from damage. The most effective way to get rid of them is to contact a silverfish pest control service in Houston. Consultation with pest management professionals will provide further guidance and let you know what options are best suited to your specific situation.
What food attracts silverfish the most?
Identifying an infestation early is crucial for controlling and eliminating these elusive creatures as silverfish can reproduce quickly. Proper storage of food items, regular cleaning, dehumidifying, and sealing cracks and crevices can significantly reduce the likelihood of harboring these unwelcome guests. Let’s now take a look at their dietary choices:
1. Books & paper products
Silverfish can digest cellulose and have a voracious appetite for paper. They are particularly attracted to items like books, newspapers, and cardboard boxes due to their cellulose content. They are also attracted to glue in book bindings and boxes that acts as a protein-rich supplement.
2. Textiles
Fabrics, especially those containing natural fibers like cotton, linen, and silk, are appealing to silverfish. They often consume these materials, leaving behind irregular holes and yellowish stains.
3. Wallpaper
The adhesive used in wall coverings is another substantial attractant for silverfish making wallpaper a true delicacy. They feed on both the glue and the paper, often causing the wallpaper to peel and become damaged over time.
4. Pantry goods
Silverfish are drawn to pantry items rich in carbohydrates and proteins. This includes flour, oats, cereals, and dried pasta. They can chew through packaging to access these foods, contaminating your supplies.
5. Sugar
Silverfish is known for its sweet tooth. Any sugary substances, such as syrup, honey, and sugar granules, are a significant attractant for silverfish. Their preference for sweet items contributes to their frequent habitation in kitchen areas.
6. Dead insects & fecal matter
Silverfish are not exclusively herbivores and bookworms; in case of need, they will also consume dead insects and even their own feces to obtain necessary nutrients.
7. Mold
Since silverfish live in environments with high humidity, they are constantly exposed to mold that grows on various surfaces. If the situation requires, silverfish can consume mold as a food and water source.
8. Stored foods
Dry goods like pet food, powdered milk, and even some spices can attract silverfish. They are particularly adept at getting into poorly sealed containers so make sure to keep everything in a jar.
9. Starch in household items
Besides the usual foodstuffs, silverfish are also attracted to the starch found in various household items like paper towels, cotton clothing, and even some upholsteries.
10. Dandruff & hair
Surprisingly, silverfish can also live on a diet of hair and dandruff. This is because dandruff and hair contain proteins that are vital for silverfish growth and development.
How can I get in touch with the leading silverfish pest control service in Houston, TX?
Whether you live in the city center around the Theater District, on the banks of the bayou, or the outskirts of Houston, Naturalcare Pest Control Services is your go-to team when you want to get rid of all types of pests in a completely safe, pet-friendly way.
Our experienced specialists know all the usual silverfish hideaways and are trained to spot the common signs of infestation. We’ll lean on our expertise to take care of the issue before they start breeding in numbers and cause significant damage to your belongings. Dealing with pests requires an urgent response so don’t wait a minute more and call us now!
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