These guys are fast! Turn on the lights and they scamper away so quickly; you hardly have time to get a good look at them. The totally creepy part is if you see one , you can guarantee that there are hundreds more hiding in your walls.
Description of Silverfish
They get their name from the metallic silver color, and fish-like shape of their bodies. They are also known as Bristletails.
- They do not have wings.
- Length between ½ and ¾ inches long (not including tails).
- Flat body in the shape of a carrot or fish, tapering from head to rear.
- A very fine thread-like antennae.
- Three bristly tails.
- Six legs.
- Dislike of brightness.
Silverfish can typically be found in humid, moist areas of the home, including basements, attics, and bathrooms. People have noticed silverfish crawling out of ceiling soffits or dropping from skylights and canister light fixtures in the ceiling, or emerging from moldings.
Can They Harm My Family Or Pets?
to humans or animals. They do not bite or spread diseases. However, they can be harmful to your property, especially anything made from paper. Silverfish are carb loaders. They love sugary and starchy foods, and anything that is cellulose-based. What’s on the menu?
- Your books and magazines.
- Any type of paper-based collectible, such as comic books, artwork or paper mache sculptures.
- Crafting supplies.
- Stored gift wrap.
- Food boxes, such as cereal and pancake mixes.
- Backstock of household goods, like toilet tissue and paper towels.
- Filed documents and records.
They will also feed on food items like granola or flour, also have been known to eat dried glue and clothing.
Silverfish Are Elusive And Difficult To Eradicate
Because it’s a rarity that you see these pests, they are hard to kill with over-the-counter pesticides. Just when you think you have detected their point of entry and lay down poison, they just find a workaround. When they feel threatened, it is no problem for them to retreat and go weeks without food or water. Living inside your walls, under your floors, and in your ceilings, they have access to your entire home unchecked. Green Home Pest Control gives the red light to Silverfish traffic, and the green light to quick effective service. We have a service plan that will in short order.
Tips To Prevent Silverfish Infestations
The saying “if you feed them, they will come” is the opposite of what we want here. The objective is to starve them. If they don’t have a reason to be there, maybe they will leave.
- Keep all dry food in your cupboards in sealed containers.
- Dust your home often. When you use flour, it floats in the air, and leaves a dusting of silverfish food all over your home.
- Remove items with adhesive from your home. Easier said than done, we know.
- Clean up any food particles around your home. This is especially important right after a meal.
- Use caulking. Cover up cracks, holes, or openings to keep silverfish out, and stop them from laying eggs.
- Get a dehumidifier. Live in a moist climate? Reduce the humidity in your indoor air. Ventilate any rooms that get warm and moist. This includes your bathroom or your kitchen. Open windows and doors and turn on fans to clear moisture from the air.
- Get rid of piles of brush, dead plants, wood, and leaves. Clear the perimeter around your home of leaves and other damp debris.
Your best bet is to call in the pros at Green Home Pest Control, and find out more about our .
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21 years of pest control experience
Founder and Owner of Green Home Pest Control
13 year resident of Arizona
