Don’t let the name fool you — silverfish aren’t aquatic animals living far from your house. They are dangerous small insects that can destroy wooden surfaces in your home. The main issue with ridding yourself of silverfish infestations is that they’re particularly difficult to spot and identify. Luckily, a little bit of information goes a long way. Here’s what you need to know about silverfish to identify and prevent them.
Silverfish Appearance
Silverfish are tiny, about 12-19 millimeters in length. You can spot them by their small, wingless, carrot-shaped bodies and the three filaments coming from their tail. They’re difficult to find since they are mostly nocturnal and run away from light. But, they often get stuck on smooth surfaces since they can’t grip and climb them. If you can get a hold of one, silverfish leave a metallic sheen on your finger to help you identify them.
Silverfish Habitat and Diet
Since silverfish love the dark, they are mostly found in basements and attics. Sometimes, they can be found in bathrooms and kitchens since they also thrive in humid environments. They tend to hang around areas with lots of exposed, unfinished wood, which is their main source of food. Sometimes silverfish will destroy fabrics, but they mainly eat wood products and the glue that holds them together. Any places where you store cardboard boxes, like garages, are also possible breeding grounds for these insects.
Preventing Silverfish
Silverfish have long lifespans, so it’s important to tackle an infestation as soon as possible to prevent damage. They can live up to 10 years and lay anywhere between 50 and 100 eggs in their lifetime. To prevent them from coming into your home, make sure all the little cracks and crevices around your windows and doors are sealed tightly. While cracks in your house can let silverfish in, dirty dishes lying around the house can attract them too. Even with sealed entries, sometimes these insects can enter your home when you bring cardboard boxes in, as they can hide in packaging.
While silverfish are relatively harmless, they can damage your belongings and an infestation can last for a while. To effectively rid your home of these pests, our experienced experts are ready to tackle the problem for you. Contact Pinpoint Pest Control today so we can develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
