What do silverfish look like?
Silverfish are tiny insects that are teardrop-shaped with large heads that taper to the end of the abdomen. On the head are two long antennae. On the tip of the abdomen are three long appendages that look like antennae. The entire length of a silverfish is about ¾ of an inch in length or less. Silverfish can start showing up in your bathroom and other areas of your home where humidity levels are high. If you have good eyes, you can quickly identify these insects in all stages of development.
Do silverfish bite?
We are often asked this question, and we're happy to announce that silverfish do not bite! Their mouths are not equipped to bite through human skin. If they could, they would likely attempt to bite because they eat high-protein food sources—but they have to settle for eating the dead skin we shed.
While silverfish don't pose a threat to you directly, they can cause trouble in other ways. Their presence in your home will likely annoy you, particularly if they start to appear in common areas.
Should I be worried if I have silverfish?
You don't have to worry about these pests, but it is wise to actively address an infestation. Silverfish can damage your property. While they don't bite you, they can bite into your possessions leaving damage that may be unfixable. Here are a few of the things silverfish may leave holes in:
- Wallpaper
- Photographs
- Books
- Documents
- Clothing
- Sheets
- Curtains
- Food packaging
What are silverfish attracted to?
There are many factors that can lead to a silverfish infestation. When attempting to prevent problems with these pests, you must consider food sources, moisture needs, and preferred habitats.
Food Sources: A silverfish is at home in a junk pile that has paper, cardboard, and clothing. These items are even more attractive if they are moist. We strongly encourage people to pick up any moist cardboard or junk piles near their homes.
Moisture: Silverfish have a high moisture requirement and are drawn to yards with damp vegetation or perimeter moisture. Trimming vegetation and cleaning gutters can lower your chances of an infestation.
Habitat: Silverfish prefer darkness. They'll use many organic materials as dark hiding places. Picking up leaf litter, branches, logs, and plant clippings can reduce problems with these potential pests.
You can significantly deter silverfish by managing potential food sources, moisture, humidity, and clutter.
How do silverfish enter homes?
These pests get into homes in the same way other pests do. When considering potential entry points, also consider attractants because areas where attractants are present are more vulnerable.
- They get in through wood that is damaged by moisture.
- They slip past poor weatherproofing.
- They slip underneath siding and find gaps in rotted wood.
- They sneak through gaps around window and door frames.
- They crawl right in through gaps around pipes and wire conduits.
- They sometimes hitchhike into homes when wood, cardboard, clothing, or other materials are brought in from outdoors.
A silverfish doesn't need a large entry point. They can slip through gaps that are paper-thin.
How do I get rid of silverfish?
If you’ve discovered silverfish infesting your home, contact Evergreen Pest Solutions for assistance. We offer home pest control services that eliminate silverfish as well as other house-infesting insects and rodents.
Can I prevent a silverfish infestation?
It isn't easy, but you do have some ability to prevent a silverfish infestation. Here are a few suggestions:
- Clean your gutters to reduce perimeter moisture.
- Trim vegetation and remove organic clutter.
- Avoid storing objects or junk near your home.
- Use a caulking gun to seal framing and small gaps.
- Use expanding foam to fill in large structural cavities or gaps around plumbing.
- Repair damaged screens.
Along with exterior protection, you need to consider indoor protection as well. Since silverfish require moisture and humidity, maintaining a dry home will help to deter silverfish issues.
- Use your bathroom fan when taking a shower or bath.
- Install a fan if you don't have one.
- Install a dehumidifier to control humidity in key areas of your home.
- Repair any damaged plumbing.
- Repair leaking showerheads or faucets.
Remember that you're not alone. Your Evergreen Pest Solutions team can help you keep these and other pests out of your home. Our ongoing pest control service plans provide exceptional exterior protection to reduce pest activity and create a barrier that keeps pests out of your home. Contact us at any time to get answers to your pest control questions. We're here to help you find effective solutions that match your specific needs.
