One of the most common occasional invaders in homes is silverfish. Most DIY efforts to rid your home or business of these insects are ineffective and their annoying and destructive ways are not welcome. Getting these critters evicted generally takes a professional to efficiently get the job done. We at A-Tex Pest Management would like to take a moment to share the basics concerning silverfish.
What Does a Silverfish Look Like?
Ranging from white to brown-grey or a bluish-silver color, the teardrop-shaped bodies of silverfish measures approximately ½ inch – ¾ inches in length and have three distinctive long bristles on their rears. Silverfish prefer the dark and damp places; making basements, garages, attics, kitchens, and bathrooms favored locations although they are very adaptable to most climates. Stored boxes in these locations are the perfect dwelling as they are fond of paper and damp fabric.
What Do Silverfish Insects Eat?
Silverfish are notorious for their destruction of wallpaper and clothing because of the feeding habits that have them devouring clothing and wallpaper. Silverfish will eat a variety of foods and materials that include carbohydrates, sugars, starches, cellulose, glue binding in books, linen, shampoos, silk and dead insects. These little nuisances will also be found in unopened food packaging.
What Attracts Silverfish?
Inside cardboard boxes and plastic containers recently stored in infested areas frequently house silverfish where they are unknowingly brought into homes. Silverfish will also make their way into homes by wedging through torn screens as well as the gaps around the doors and cracks in the foundation. Dirty dishes left around will often attract these pests into your home.
Are Silverfish Harmful?
Silverfish have been known to trigger allergies in some people, but do not pose any other health risks. Having silverfish in your home will also attract predators such as carpet beetles. The damage they do by chewing holes in upholstery, clothing, or paper can be excessive in large numbers along with vintage clothing, ruining books, and documents in addition to any food they may contaminate.
Signs of Silverfish Infestations
To avoid the devastation, look for the red flags and solicit professional help to deter large numbers. Finding damage from their feeding habits, coming across tiny pepper-like feces, and seeing their activity around the bathtub, the sink, and around the floor are such indications of an infestation. Moving exceptionally fast and being nocturnal, silverfish are very secretive and can be unnoticed for long periods of time. As a result, their high reproducing rate will factor into having a severe infestation in a short time.
Silverfish Prevention
Though silverfish can survive in nearly any environment, they are still most likely to live in high humid areas as they prefer the moisture. In these preferred humid environments, the nymphs will develop much faster otherwise. Control the humidity in your home as part of your preventative maintenance, along with being diligent with your housekeeping, using sealable containers to protect food, securing the trash can lids closed, and opening up all the vents in crawl spaces. Also, ensure your baseboards are caulked.
Silverfish Occasional Invader Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas
If you find silverfish in your home or discover evidence of their presence, call in the professionals of A-Tex Pest Management and let our expertise and training apply to the removal of the silverfish infestation in your home.