Do silverfish bite? Are these weird-looking, seemingly harmless creatures venomous?

According to a Modesto pest control company, these questions are fairly common in households with small children. Certainly, you wouldn’t want any harm to fall upon your loved ones.

Do silverfish bite people?

They don’t. They do bite their food sources. Even if there is a chance that you or a loved one gets bitten, you will hardly notice at all because these bugs have weak jaws.

Furthermore, silverfish are nocturnal, which means they only come out at night. And unlike some insects, these bugs will cower away toward cracks and darks spaces when you see them.

Are silverfish venomous?

They are not. There are no studies that indicate that a silverfish bite can cause harm to people. However, there are some people who are allergic to the dust created from these creatures’ discarded skin. Specifically, this dust created from the discarded skin can trigger attacks in persons with asthma.

Silverfish are the only insects that are known to shed their skin even upon reaching adulthood.

For homeowners, the real concern should not be whether these creatures bite humans or not. Instead, they should be focused on the damage that silverfish can do.

Silverfish have a voracious appetite and will eat different food types. When available, these creatures will feed on dead insects, dust, fungi, and even dead skin cells.

In the absence of these food sources, they will eat materials which contain cellulose. These may include books, papers, wallpapers, and even fabrics. Upon close inspection of these materials in an infested home, you will notice small and irregularly shaped holes usually found on the edges. Additionally, you may see some discoloration that comes as a result of the fungi spread by the insects, along with fecal matter.

It is because of this behavior that homeowners are rarely aware of the presence of these bugs. It is usually only when extensive damage has been done that most homeowners start to take notice.

Silverfish are destructive creatures that can damage precious belongings, including books and clothing. Usually, these are found in areas with high humidity like the bathroom, kitchen, laundry area, attic, and basement. However, silverfish can also survive in different environments.

Controlling humidity is the first vital step in preventing these creatures from thriving inside your home. However, if the infestation has become widespread, it is advisable to call in the professionals as most store-bought products only kill a small portion of the population.