Your mattress is the place where you lie comfortably every night to get a sweet sleep. Not only night, but you also use it regularly in the day time as well.
But, do you know that there are millions of other creatures that can take shelter in your mattress. Sometimes you see them; sometimes they go unnoticed.
However, if they are present inside your bed, you can see the results on your sleeping body, that is for sure.
One of those living minions that can thrive in your house and live a destructive life is Silverfish. Beautiful name, but not so lovely gesture. So, let us know Silverfish and also discuss the remedies.
What causes silverfish in your bed?
The nuisance is found throughout the United States and is generally attracted to humidity and drains. Silverfishes can be easily found in the basements as well.
Due to feeding habits, silverfishes are attracted towards your bedroom as well, especially mattresses. Why? Because they are attracted to the starch found in bed linens and other sleeping materials.
What are starfishes?
Common in dark and humid areas, starfishes can be a resident in your mattress, as their favorite food includes linen and other bed fabrics or material. Even if they are present in your mattress, you will not be able to see them because they are nocturnal. Meaning, they will be active only in the night while you are asleep.
“Fish” is included in their name because of their looks and flowing movement. Starfishes do not attack or cause any infections, they degrade their living area, which is your mattress. They are not much harmful to you, so we do not categorize them as human parasites. But yes, they are bad news for your bed so we call them pests. Also, it is not a nice feeling to have some creepy wingless life floating beneath you.
What do they eat?
As stated earlier they like the carbohydrate component of linen and beddings. Apart from that, starfishes also eat starch found in curtains, drapes and other cotton fabrics.
Carpets, dandruff, hair, and coffee are the other eatables. If they are starving, leather and synthetic items like nylon are also not safe.
Where they live?
Silverfishes prefers dark and humid areas to reside. As stated earlier, they can be easily found in the basement, attics, and closets. However, Silverfishes can also live in an area where they can freely roam around at the night.
That is why they are found in a mattress, as it is dark and they will find many survival meals there, including dandruff, hair, linen, or cotton. Any cloth which is wet or damp for a long time also attracts silverfishes.
Are the disease carriers?
It’s a fact that they degrade your sleeping surface, but they do not bite or spread any disease among humans. Silverfishes prefer to live in your houses because they like surviving on stuff that contains starch.
They are less destructive as compared to moths, but making holes in the bedding or clothes is one of their common traits.
How to get rid of silverfish from a mattress?
Either you see one silverfish in your house or a parade, not to worry. There are several things that you can to do to either kill silverfishes or force them to leave.
There are some natural silverfish eaters like centipede and spiders, but most of us cannot keep them as a pet. Can we? So, let us take care of this pest our way.
Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle this material on the mattress and the areas where you have spotted silverfishes. Put the stuff in the holes and cracks where they can live. It is a threat to them, but safe for you, kids and pets.
Insect Trap. You can use one of these traps that can trap silverfishes.
Silverfish poison. If you do not have kids or you can keep them in control, then you can also use this poison that is one of the best ways to kill silverfishes.
Cedar Oil: You can put some cedar on the affected area, and you can also spray the mattress, corners, and crevices with cedar oil. Silverfishes do not like cedar so that they will leave your house.
Bay leaf. Scatter bay leaves on and around the affected areas. You can also keep some of them under your mattress. Insects including silverfish do not like the smell of bay leaves. So, they will leave immediately taking moths, mice, and cockroaches with them.
Ephemera. Newspaper piles, unused books, old card boxes and unused covered attracts silverfishes. Discourage such happenings in your house. Regular cleaning of the home including corners and kitchen drawers is advised to stop starfishes.
Offseason clothes. Store winter clothes in a clean and dry wardrobe. You can also place a few bay leaves in the clothes.
Vacuum. Regularly vacuum the house to pick up waste as well as their eggs, if any.
Take care of the food. Do not leave any food items open for many days. Always keep the snacks in plastic boxes or containers with lids on it.
Seal the house. Use caulk to fill any cracks, holes or crevices on the floor, corners, or walls to prevent silverfishes entering your home.
Dehumidifier. You can use this device to absorb extra moisture and prevent dampness in your house. You can also use moisture absorbers for the same.
Fan. Install a washroom fan in your house to keep the area fresh and moisture free.
The perimeter around the house. Clean the surrounding area of your home from any dump leaves, and wooden blocks/logs.
Bottom Line
So, now you the secret of living life in your bed. If you are sleeping on a micro zoo right now, we have told you the way to attain proper hygiene.
Next time your purchase a mattress, invest on one that has anti-microbial properties or a bed that is built with materials that discourage internal cavities. Latest mattresses including visco-elastic memory foam layer are generally hygienic as they prevent such habitats.
