Are you curious about the mysterious creatures with long antennae that lurk in the corners of Arizona homes? Silverfish in Arizona often go unnoticed yet play a role in the ecosystem and home environments.
These small, wingless insects thrive in dark, damp areas and can sometimes become a surprise for homeowners. Keep reading to discover more about these tenacious little creatures.
Key Takeaways
- Silverfish in Phoenix are attracted to moisture-rich areas like bathrooms and kitchens, even in the dry climate.
- They hide in dark spaces like closets and attics and come out at night to feed on starchy items.
- Older homes with cracks and places with high indoor humidity are perfect for silverfish infestations.
- You can manage silverfish by removing paper, but severe infestations may need professional help.
What Attracts Silverfish to Homes in Phoenix?
Silverfish are drawn to homes in Phoenix for several reasons despite the dry climate. They seek moisture, enjoy darker corners, and hunt for starch-rich foods while escaping the intense heat.
Seeking Moisture in Dry Climates
Despite Phoenix’s arid conditions, silverfish actively search for moisture. They often infiltrate laundry rooms and basements with higher humidity.
These include spaces where water leaks or standing water is present in homes across Gilbert and Peoria. You might also find these pests in crawl spaces or near plumbing fixtures.
Looking for Dark, Secluded Spaces
Silverfish favor dark, secluded spaces for hiding and protection. Homes in neighborhoods like Chandler, Mesa, and Surprise offer many such areas. Gloomy nooks, especially ones with clutter or notches, are perfect retreats for these insects. They exploit these hideaways during the day and emerge at night to roam around.
Searching for Starchy Food Sources
Silverfish have a diet rich in starches and carbohydrates, driving them to invade homes in search of food sources.
Common items like cereals and book bindings fit the bill, providing enough sustenance to support their dietary needs. They tend to nibble on paper, wallpaper paste, and even clothing stored in closets.
Accumulation of Paper, Books, and Cardboard
Silverfish are drawn to starchy materials in paper, book bindings, and cardboard. Homes in Scottsdale and other areas in the Phoenix metropolitan area often have storage filled with these materials.
Once silverfish infiltrate, they can cause significant damage, feasting on paper products.
Seeking Shelter from the Heat
Phoenix’s scorching temperatures make homes a haven for silverfish. Sheltering indoors grants them a stable environment with lower temperatures.
They navigate to cooler spots, like narrow openings or foundation gaps. This search for shelter goes beyond survival, so they remain comfortable even in such climates.
How to Identify Signs of a Silverfish Infestation in Phoenix
Often mistaken for firebrats, identifying a silverfish problem isn’t always simple. They are stealthy, fast, and mostly active at night.
To get ahead of silverfish control, here are the signs you’re having pest problems:
| Signs | How to Spot the Sign |
|---|---|
| Sightings of Adult Silverfish | Look for wingless insects with long bristles, antennae, and appendages. |
| Damage to Books and Paper | Check for irregular holes or yellow stains on paper, books, or wallpaper. |
| Presence of Shed Skin | Look around baseboards and dark corners for small, translucent scales they shed. |
| Yellow Stains | Notice yellowish stains on fabrics or paper caused by silverfish droppings. |
How to Get Rid of Silverfish at Home
Silverfish have a long lifespan, lasting up to three years, meaning they can cause significant damage if not dealt with. With the right steps, you can get rid of them.
- Use dehumidifiers to reduce your home’s relative humidity below 50%, making it less inviting for silverfish.
- Close up cracks, crevices, and other entry points where silverfish or scorpions might sneak in.
- To block access, keep cereals, oats, chips, pet food, and other dry goods in airtight containers.
- Remove stacks of paper, magazines, boxes, and other materials where silverfish love to hide.
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in affected areas to kill silverfish without harsh active ingredients.
- Contact a pest control company for more persistent silverfish infestations, termites, and cockroaches.
When to Call Pest Control Company
If you find chewed-up books or important documents frequently, it may be time to call the pest control service. Professionals can offer help to confirm silverfish activity and advice to prevent a return.
At Green Home Pest Control, our silverfish exterminators specialize in safe pest management for infestations. If you see signs of pests in your Glendale or Tempe home, we’re here to help.
For more information, call our phone number to schedule a consultation.
21 years of pest control experience
Founder and Owner of Green Home Pest Control
13 year resident of Arizona
