Yesterday, I saw a silverfish in my bathroom and stopped in my tracks. Zowie! That’s a big bug. Four inches across. I got my trusty BugZooka (a tiny vacuum that sucks up the bugs so you can release them outside) and tried to capture her, to no avail. Undeterred, I went to the kitchen and got a plastic cup with a lid but couldn’t redirect her into the cup, so I talked to her. I’ve got to get you into this cup to relocate you or I’ve got to squish you. Sorry.
Surprisingly, she went into the cup. I went to the door and asked my son to open it for me and took her outside. Now mind you, I probably let in two flies while I was releasing Sylvia (the name I give to all silverfish. That, or Sid) but she had to go.
While I was chasing her around the bathroom, I realized she was afraid of me. For all she knew, I was the grim reaper, and I may well have been if I hadn’t caught her.
She was reacting in fear. I was reacting in fear.
What if everything that we’re afraid of is actually afraid of us?
As you go about your day, take note of what makes you anxious. Is it people passing by on a busy city street? Hold on. Are they looking at you the same way?
Pay attention to your fears today. They might be telling you they’re not so scary after all.
PS: This is not an endorsement of the BugZooka (although I like it). I only included the picture to show you what it looks like.
5 comments
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June 1, 2019 at 11:42 pm
KDKH
You must live somewhere more humid or tropical than where I do. I’ve never seen a silverfish larger and 1/2”! It’s dry here and they don’t thrive. 👍🏻 I like your solution, though. I have found most animals respond to a reasonable request. My cats hate the carrier, but if I explain why they need to get in, and they agree with the objective, they will get in willingly. A vet visit is rarely an objective they agree with, but going to the truck to go camping is a favorite.
June 2, 2019 at 1:40 am
rhcwilliams
I live in New Jersey, and, like you, we usually only see small silverfish. That’s why this one was such a shock to the system! I’m used to the smaller ones being around, but a huge one like that really must be evicted.
Oh, I love the idea of cats going camping! Do you have video on your website of cat camp? I would love that. 🙂
June 2, 2019 at 12:10 pm
the #1 Itinerary
Great post 🙂
June 2, 2019 at 6:23 pm
rhcwilliams
So kind of you to say! Take care.
June 2, 2019 at 6:29 pm
the #1 Itinerary
No problem 🙂 check out my blog when you get the chance 😄