Silverfish

What Do Silverfish Look Like?

Silverfish are metallic-silver or gray insects that grow to be about an inch long. They are wingless and get around on small legs, moving with a wiggling motion. Silverfish get their name from their oblong, fish-shaped abdomen and long, bristle-like antennae. They are fast, and can usually outrun their predators. Silverfish can live up to two years.

Are Silverfish Dangerous?

Silverfish are not aggressive insects, and pose no physical harm to people. They do, however, seem to cause mild allergic reactions is some individuals. This is due to the breakdown of lost silverfish scales during molting which, in high concentrations, can contribute to dust build-up in homes. Centipedes and spiders eat silverfish so you may be attracting other pests if you have a problem with silverfish.

Why Do I Have a Silverfish Problem?

Silverfish thrive in dark, damp spaces, such as garages, basements, bathrooms, and under kitchen sinks. They seem to be attracted to paper products and waste, like wet cardboard, clothing, and wallpaper. They can also infest dried, starchy pantry items like rice and pasta. You may see silverfish scurry out of your laundry basket if your children have a habit of tossing wet towels into the hamper. Anywhere that you have a moisture problem you run the risk of attracting silverfish.

How Do I Get Rid of Silverfish?

Silverfish are a common but persistent nuisance, especially during the spring and summer months. Many people inadvertently move them into the home during spring cleaning, or transfer them from one area of the home to another during this time. Fortunately, Family offers a number of efficient and cost-effective Home Protection Plans to choose from that will eradicate these nuisance pests.

Family Pest Control’s Silverfish Prevention Tips

We do have a few prevention tips for you to try when it comes to silverfish:

• Before moving storage items to crawlspaces, attics, garages, and sheds, always inspect the area for damp spots or water damage.
• To avoid decaying and attracting silverfish to important paperwork, books, clothing, and records, do not store them in locations with high moisture content. Doing so will only attract these pests.
• Installing a dehumidifier in areas of your home can help to reduce any excess moisture in the air.

If you suspect that you have a silverfish infestation, it is best to contact a professional pest control specialist for an evaluation.