Stop the damage of the book Silverfish

We often hear about silverfish damaging books and destroying valuable papers in the home. Books damaged by silverfish are a common event. If there are important books and papers in your house, you may want to learn ways to protect them.

There are a number of strategies you can choose to stop the damage from the silverfish book. This article provides information and ideas on how to prevent insects from damaging paper goods in your home.

The silverfish bug is a cunning little creature and can hide in unseen places where they do damage and lay their eggs. Many people are unclear on what silverfish damage looks like or how to control it. Unfortunately, silverfish book damage can easily be mistaken for normal wear and tear.

Items that incur silver bug damage include books, manuscripts, valuable documents, food, clothing, plants, rugs, and more.

Why does Silverfish book damage occur?

The silverfish diet is why you should care about the silverfish in your books. Books are like silverfish magnets because they contain substances that the bug loves to eat. Book bindings are a food source because they contain glue, protein, and starch. An example of silverfish damage to books is when the silverfish eats the glue that holds the spine of the books together. The result is loose pages in the book as it begins to fall apart. You may be surprised to find that these insects will eat paper, books, and just about anything that contains starch, protein, and glue.

Often people assume there is no risk of damage from silverfish because they haven’t seen silverfish in their books. Still, you may notice that the pages are coming loose from the spine of the book. This could be the result of damage from silver minnows. Just because you don’t see them doesn’t mean they’re not there. They are good at hiding, although you will eventually see some if they are hanging around your valuable books or papers.

Signs of silver bug presence may include seeing silver minnows shedding their skin or small dark droppings (feces) that look like specks on pages and papers.

Silverfish book damage also occurs when silverfish eat shiny papers because they contain starch. Book bindings contain glue, paste, and glue that attract them to the book bindings.

Signs of Silverfish book damage

  • pages and papers with jagged edges
  • yellow spots on the pages
  • abrasions on paper and photos
  • holes in paper
  • dead silverfish near books or between pages

Ways to Prevent Silverfish Book Damage

Used books and old newspapers are some of the ways these insects find their way into the home. Silverfish and silverfish eggs often find their way to them. If you must bring old books and papers home, try to inspect them before you leave them lying around the house. Unattended old books allow silverfish eggs to hatch. Seeing silverfish eggs with the naked eye can be a problem. However, you can search for silver fish skin guts and body parts. Some people have been known to freeze books to kill unseen bugs and eggs.

  1. Silverfish can enter the home in used books, used clothing, cardboard boxes, and furniture. Inspect cardboard boxes and furniture for silverfish when they are first shipped home.
  2. Fabrics used for toy pillows and other items may contain silverfish or their eggs. In some cases, hot or frozen water washes are used.
  3. Control the indoor environment: Since silverfish like a dark and humid environment, take steps to deny them that habitat. Reduce room humidity levels by using a dehumidifier
  4. Books should never be stacked on shelves where there is no air circulation in the room. This would result in moisture buildup and mold growth. This is also an attractive environment for bugs. Silverfish not only like the starch in their books, they are also attracted to mold and mildew.
  5. Place silverfish sticky traps near places where books and papers are stored. This would mean placing sticky traps on the shelves near the books. One step in particular is to use silver fish packs.

Learning how to deal with silverfish insects and remove them from your home takes a bit of time and effort. Fortunately, there is information available online on how to get silverfish out of your home.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back To Top