Have you seen the inch-long silver pest in your home? Know does Lysol kill silverfish and not and other methods to get rid of these pests.
What is Silverfish?
SilverFish is a skin-crawling insect that infests homes or other enclosed spaces. They are pests that can end up destroying your clothing, upholstery, or other stored items.
Silverfish are amongst the oldest insects in the world and have been surviving for over 400 million years. They are shiny silver or grey in color and are about an inch long. Their most active infestation time is during the night. They can also be quite creepy to be around as they look like slithering silver creatures.
When you look at these insects, they might look creepy, but they don’t bite, and there is absolutely no scientific evidence showing that they are poisonous in nature. However, they are known to trigger specific allergic reactions in certain people, leading to health issues. Moreover, even if they are not harmful to humans, they definitely can be hazardous for your treasured belongings.
They eat foods that contain sugar and carbs, bringing your stored food at risk, and destroy everything they infest like paper, cereals, books, clothing, and even insulation in walls. They even eat up human hair! Therefore, it is essential to eliminate these pests before they start multiplying and becoming harder to remove.
What Attracts Silverfish?
The fast-moving silverfish share a lot of similarities with cockroaches. Not only do both the pest have a long life, but they are also attracted to similar damp and humid environments. In addition to warm conditions or environments, these pests are attracted to dark corners, where they can breed and create their homes. This can also be a matter of concern because once they increase in number, you can only get rid of them with professional help.
Another culprit that can invite silverfish to your home is food! Food crumbs left on kitchen slabs, floors, or between the seats of your sofas can invite them to your home for a feast. Though, once they are there, these guests have no plans to leave. Also, food high in carbohydrate and protein content can attract them to your homes. So, it is a good idea to store food like pasta, breakfast cereal, and other food items in your pantry in air-tight jars.
Does Lysol Kill Silverfish
Getting rid of these insects is quite a task, and the fact that they are nocturnal insects– it becomes hard to catch them during the day. But there are a plethora of ways to get rid of these nuisance-creating insects. One such solution is using Lysol.
Lysol is a synthetic home disinfectant made up of several chemical compounds. It is used to kill microbes in the environment. Besides that, it comes with the ability to kill common household pests like silverfish due to its strong chemical composition. You can spray this solution in the cracks of the doors, windows, and edges, which will kill the adult silverfish. However, this cannot kill the eggs that have been laid in these hard to reach places. The effect of Lysol on silverfish is similar to roach-killing sprays on cockroaches. Lysol is a strong degreaser and thus it dehydrates the body of silverfish and therefore, kills them for good. So, does Lysol kill silverfish? Yes, Lysol does kill adult silverfish, but as said, it remains ineffective in killing the eggs. If the infestation is at large, we suggest you consult professional pest services before it’s too late.
DIY Recipe to Get Rid of Silverfish with Home Ingredients
The most simple homemade recipe to get rid of silverfish is a combination of bleach and water. Mix one-part bleach with one part water and spray it all over the affected area and other dark corners where you suspect the pest has created a nesting ground. Not only is this a budget-friendly solution to your problem, but bleach is easily available in your homes and nearby convenience stores.
Other Methods to Control or Prevent Silverfish Infestation
Controlling silverfish once it has multiplied in large numbers is quite challenging, and sometimes you have to opt for pest control services to eradicate them. But there are certain precautions and homemade remedies for getting rid of these pests or preventing their growth:
- Proper storage of dry foods such as cereals, grains, pasta, and pet foods– you should always keep these foods sealed or stored in airtight containers.
- Food crumbs on rugs or furniture can attract these pests as they serve on leftover foods. Regular cleaning and vacuuming of carpets ensure a clean surrounding and lowers the chances of a silverfish infestation.
- As the insects are attracted to moisture, you can use dehumidifiers to eliminate the moist surrounding.
- Keep all the gutters or drainage system at your home clean.
- Seal any openings or cracks in your home, including drainage pipe openings and cracks in the wall, so that they don’t have any place to enter your home.
- Boric acid is another effective way of getting rid of silverfish, but it can have some harmful side-effects for humans. Use boric acid with caution and it can eliminate the pests for good.
Prevention is definitely better than cure, and one must immediately take care of their belongings if there are any signs of infestation! Take these simple precautions and protect your home from these insects.
