If you have ever lit the bathroom light on the middle of the night and have seen a small silver figure Slide quickly towards some crack, it is likely that you had the visit of a Silver fish. These tiny insects, although harmless, usually generate rejection for their appearance and for their tendency to settle in dark and humid corners of the home. Although they do not represent a danger to health or bite or bite, the presence of silver fish is usually indicative of moisture and Lack of ventilationwhich can lead to other long -term problems.
Silver fish, whose scientific name is Lepism Saccharinathey have a great capacity for adaptation and reproduction. They are silent, fast, elusive and, in many cases, difficult to detect Until they have already colonized several areas of the house. Although they are not dangerous, their diet can cause discomfort, since they feed on cellulose, starch and organic remains. This means that they can devour books, cardboard, toilet paper, glue and even remains of dead skin or hair. Luckily, there are simple, economical and totally natural solutions to keep them away from our homes.
How to end silver fish
Silver fish are insects that owe their common name to their Metallic gray color and to the wavy movement they perform when moving, similar to that of a fish. Your body is elongated, it can measure between 8 and 12 millimeters, they have no wings, and their antennas are as long as their body.
Its presence is usually linked to moisture, lack of ventilation and darkness. They can also be installed in cabinets, behind appliances or between books and papers, especially if these spaces are not cleaned regularly. Although they do not represent a health risk, their appearance may be annoying.
Homemade trap with oatmeal
If you are looking for a simple and homemade form of getting rid of silver fish, this oat trap is one of the most effective you can try.
To start, you need a glass jar (it can be one of canned or jam), a little body tape or paper adhesive tape, and oat flakes. The trick is how the jar is presented: you have to wrap the entire outside with the tape, so that it covers from the base to just below the edge. This allows fish peppers to easily climb the rough surface of the tape.
Within the jar some oat flakes are placed. This cereal is very attractive to these insects because it contains starch, one of its favorite foods. Once they go up smellingThey enter the jar looking for food. The plain glass interior of the container prevents them from leaving, since they do not have the ability to grab so polished surfaces.
The ideal is to place this trap at night, which is when they are more active, in dark and wet areas Where you have noticed your presence. In the morning, check the jar and eliminate trapped insects. You can repeat this method several nights in a row.
If you have tried this method and the plague persists or even extends, it is time to contact a pest control specialist. There may be a Most serious structural humidity problem or that the infestation level is already out of control.
How to prevent its appearance
As with any domestic plague, the best strategy is always prevention. Although the Silver fish They are not dangerous, they can multiply quickly if they find a favorable environment. These are some preventive measures that can make a difference:
- Opening windows frequently and using air extractors can significantly reduce accumulated humidity.
- Repair leaks or leaks, since a dropper under the sink or a humidity on the ceiling are enough to create the perfect climate for these insects.
- Silver fish are hidden in very small holes, so sealing corners, joints and cracks with putty or silicone can cause them to have fewer places to hide.
- Although they do not eat food remains such as other pests, keeping clean soils and surfaces helps eliminate possible food sources, such as bread, dust or textile fibers.
The presence of silver fish does not mean that your house is dirty. They are very common insects looking for humid, warm and dark places to live. The key is not to ignore them and act quickly with methods that respect both health and environment.
In addition to eliminating those that are already, it is important to change the environment that attracts them: Improve ventilationreduce moisture, seal gaps and keep order at home. If you manage to eliminate the conditions that favor their presence, not only will you get rid of silver fish, but also prevent them from returning in the future.
