Silverfish appearing inside - why and what to do?

13 years ago

I've had my second story condo for five years. I think I've occasionally seen a silverfish - perhaps one or two in a year. Now I've seen three in my bedroom in two days. What could be causing them to appear all of a sudden and what should be done? Only thing that has changed recently is I purchased a new desk and chair for in the bedroom. But that was a couple of weeks ago, and I didn't notice anything crawling around or out of the boxes when I got them. Is it possible they came with one of these, or possibly they are attracted to one? But the information I see online doesn't seem to suggest that a dry, cool, clean bedroom would be where they would want to hang out.

Is three in two days a lot and what should I do, if anything?

Thanks!!!

Featured Answer

kimmq

7 years ago

There are many sources of poisons that are meant to kill silverfish, and other insects, but unless the reason they are present is addressed that method of control will need to be repeated, often.

Perhaps this article will be of some help.

http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7475.html

kimmq is kimmsr

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

Kimmsr
13 years ago
Since silverfish need a relatively high moisture level to exist start any control measures by looking for that moisture source. Where is the bathroom, kitchen, washer/dryer in relation to your bedroom?
Boric Acid dusts are known to be fairly effective with very low toxicity to you, but the home base of the Silverfish needs to be found and any problem there needs to be fixed first.
californiaplaya
Original Author
13 years ago
Master bedroom with bath that is 10 feet away. No leaks, standing water, any source of water that is out of the ordinary. Washer/dryer is on the opposite side of the bath wall, dryer vents outside just below my bedroom window. So, sources of moisture are around. Guess what is concerning me is that after several years of just seeing one occasionally, which I would think is normal, more are appearing in a relatively short amount of time.

How would I go about finding this 'home base' you speak of?

Thanks!!!
Related Professionals
Cottonwood Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Fort Lee Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Port Royal Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Walnut Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Woodinville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Brookfield Landscape Contractors · La Verne Landscape Contractors · Lakewood Landscape Contractors · Leicester Landscape Contractors · Ocoee Landscape Contractors · Palm Beach Gardens Landscape Contractors · Petaluma Landscape Contractors · Rio Linda Landscape Contractors · Waterford Landscape Contractors · Forest Hill Landscape Contractors
anitamo
13 years ago
A few years ago we moved into a newly built house. After a couple of months, and after seeing an occasional silverfish, they started to come in droves. I read at the time that they are often found in new homes because they come in on the framing wood. Not sure if that's true or not. We ended up clearing the infestation out by putting bug bombs in the crawlspace. We slept elsewhere for the first night and never saw another one again. So I'd start in the basement...but it could be that it come in on the new furniture. But you did say you've been seeing them for some time, although not to this extent. Good luck...I hate those things.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
13 years ago
They could have come inside the boxes with the furniture, which may have been stored in a dank warehouse or storage room.
Kimmsr
13 years ago
Since paper and paper products are a primary source of food they may have been brought in with the cartons, paper. Many years ago we also had some and it took a total remodel of the kitchen to find the moisture source, a very small leak in one of the water pipes that was not easily seen from the front. As soon as the sink cabinet was moved the plaster behind told us there was a leak. It is not always easy for us to find the source of the problem but those wee buggers will find an environment they like quite easily.
It may take quite a bit of looking to find that site.
katie_mcg63
7 years ago
I myself have only recently found out about these pests.. I saw three yesterday at night and five tonight I have researched a lot and have found out these are not harmful but they are still displeasing to see in the home... They are also in my bedroom and this is even more uncomfortable after my first encounter with them I huvered everywhere they seem to be coming out from the skirten boards ... I am very worried and was wondering if it was best to contact a family member to discuss this issue as I am the only one who knows about this ... Thank you so much and please leave information on how to use natural resources go get rid of them