With summer on the way, you may be keeping a particular eye out for tiny pests like ants and flies making their way into your home - but there's another insect you should be aware of that could be a warning sign that you have a damp problem.
Also known as carpet sharks or fish moths, silverfish are a common pest, but they can be difficult to spot because of their small size and nocturnal habits. These flightless insects are silver-blue in colour with long antennae and a flat carrot-shaped body about half an inch long, and are named after their distinctive way of moving that looks like a fish swimming through water.
According to pest control experts at Rentokil, silverfish thrive in conditions of high humidity and are most commonly found in damp, dark areas like kitchens, bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms and attics. While silverfish aren't harmful to humans, they can cause significant damage to your home.
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Silverfish love sugars and carbohydrates, and they have been known to munch on things like paper, cardboard and insulation, meaning that they can damage things like books, photographs or wallpaper - a tell-tale sign that you might have a silverfish problem in your home includes small holes along the edges of these belongings where they have been nibbled. They are also often found burrowing in unsealed dried food packets.
To help make your property less attractive to silverfish, Rentokil suggests using a dehumidifier to reduce damp, as well as keeping your gutters clean to ensure any water drains away to further combat the risk of damp arising. It's also worth ensuring you store food in airtight containers or sealed glass jars, as well as keeping your home tidy of clutter and vacuuming regularly to remove any food crumbs, dust and debris.
If you see silverfish in your home, it could be an indication that you have a damp problem that needs to be dealt with. Not only can damp and mould cause extensive damage to your belongings and property, but it can also contribute to a range of health issues including respiratory infections, allergies or asthma.
Besides the appearance of silverfish, other key signs that you may have damp include condensation on your windows, signs of black mould on your grouting, black or brown speckled stains on walls or ceilings, flaking paint or curling wallpaper, or a musty smell. Luckily, there are several simple things you can do to prevent and treat damp, according to B&Q.
This includes ensuring your home is well-ventilated by opening windows whenever possible, using a dehumidifier and having an extractor fan installed in your bathroom and kitchen if you can. You should also try to keep your property at a constant temperature to help avoid condensation developing - upgrades such as thermostatic radiator valves, Smart Home devices and loft and wall insulation can help to keep your home warm.
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