Silverfish Bite

While cleaning the much neglected bookshelf after a year, you come across damaged books with holes and patches. As you remove the books one by one, some tiny creatures come out and try to hide desperately. Don't panic. They are nothing other than silverfish, that are commonly seen in moist environment with dull light conditions. Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are fast-moving, wingless insects with silvery gray body. They resemble fish in movements and hence the name. They are mainly considered as nuisance pests, as they feed on wallpaper, paper products, books and clothing.

Silverfish Insects

As mentioned above, silverfish is a small wingless insect, which is otherwise known as fish moths, carpet sharks, or paramites. The name is derived from its silvery gray body color and the movements like fish. Usually, these insects feed on starchy foods, that are rich in carbohydrates and protein. They are nocturnal insects with long flattened bodies, that can vary in length between 10 to 25 millimeters. Apart from the movements, even the body shape of silverfish resembles to that of a fish, as the abdomen tapers at the end. Silverfish insects have two compound eyes, three long cerci (long, hairlike sensory organs) at the posterior end of their bodies and long antennas. These insects have a lifespan of about two to eight years and it has been observed that they can even live without food for a period of one year.

The diet of silverfish comprises books, paper products, clothing, dead insects, mold and mildew, etc. They can travel from one building to another in search of food and once they find a source of food, they make their nest near to it. They are found in kitchens, closet shelves, behind wallpaper and baseboards, sinks, bathtubs and basement. Silverfish may leave holes on papers, clothes and wallpaper. In case of clothing, a yellowish staining may appear, as a result of silverfish infestation of the wardrobe.

Do Silverfish Bite Humans?

Even though, silverfish are known to cause damage to paper, clothing, etc, they do not bite humans. It is a common misconception that they carry diseases and can inflict bites. This can be proven by the fact that the mandibles of silverfish are not strong enough to bite humans. Even if they try to, they can only remove some of the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. All they can do is cause indirect harm to humans by damaging household items, like, wallpaper, clothing, books, etc. Extensive damage can be caused, if the house is infested with large groups of silverfish. If you notice such infestation, remove their source of food, like, cardboard, books, papers, etc and disinfect the house at the earliest. Silverfish elimination can be done with pesticides meant for these insects. If there is lots of moisture inside the house, use a dehumidifier regularly, so as to make the environment dry. This prevents mold and mildew, that are eaten by silverfish. Apart from that, keep all the groceries and other food items in air tight containers. Vacuum the house regularly, especially, the cracks and crevices, that can be the home of silverfish. You may also hire a pest control professional, who can do this task safely and effectively.

This is only a brief overview about silverfish, their features and feeding habits. It is also clear that there is no chance of silverfish bites, as far as humans are concerned. In case, you find any signs of silverfish infestation, get rid of them at the earliest, so that your precious books and other such household items can be saved from damage.