IMPORTANCE

Silverfish are an important indication that there may be a humidity problem in homes. Senior housing, where the temperature is kept high invites silverfish. Add to this a store of old papers - and silverfish are right at home. Silverfish will attack wallpaper, foodstuffs and other matter containing starch or glue. Large populations can cause severe damage to paper and paper products. Damage to textiles includes the deposit of feces, body scales, the zig-zag pattern feeding marks. Silverfish often found in homes may roam for quite some distance in search of food, but once they have found a satisfactory source, they remain close to it.