Signs of a Silverfish Infestation

When homeowners check their attics and basements, spotting pesky insects crawling around the property can be an unpleasant experience. Protecting the home includes eliminating the insects and repairing the damage they’ve caused. If silverfish have spread throughout the house, homeowners must know how to identify the problem as these pesky bugs can go unnoticed for long periods.

We will explain what silverfish are and how to identify an infestation.

What are silverfish?

Silverfish are small silver-colored insects that move quickly and make their habitat throughout the U.S. They are also called bristletails due to the three bristle-like appendages on the back part of their bodies.

Silverfish prefer dark, humid, and cozy spaces. They often make their homes in bathrooms, basements, attics, or laundry rooms. However, they can get into virtually any home area because they climb up walls and pipes. Silverfish also crawl through window and door frames. Since they breed quickly, homeowners should deal with an infestation as soon as possible.

Are silverfish harmful?

While silverfish damage property and homes, they can also trigger allergic reactions in some people. Silverfish shed their scales which contain the protein tropomyosin. This protein can trigger allergies when combined with other allergens.

As they scour the home for food, silverfish will get into the coffee, oats, meat, and flour and contaminate these products. Their diet consists of large quantities of starch, so people will usually find them in cereal boxes and storage containers throughout the kitchen.

Silverfish like to nest in places with glue or adhesive and leave holes in boxes, books, clothes, and wallpaper.

These insects aren’t an imminent danger, but people shouldn’t ignore their presence in the home. Otherwise, they’ll become a serious nuisance.

Signs of silverfish

Silverfish droppings are black and spherical, resembling small pellets or peppercorns. They’re one of the surest ways to identify whether the insects have invaded the home, as they’re nocturnal, avoid light and shy away from humans. Since many may dismiss these signs as dust or debris at first glance, careful examination is necessary.

Yellow staining on books, wallpaper, boxes, and even clothes is also a sign of silverfish activity. Since they don’t often come out of dark and more humid areas, it’s a good idea to check the remote corners of the home for yellowish dusting.

Holes in upholstery, clothing items and paper goods also indicate an infestation. Silverfish shed their scales throughout their life cycle and leave the delicate shells near their nests.

Reach out to the professionals

Because silverfish are small and breed rapidly, dealing with them on your own will likely result in the infestation spreading and causing more damage. That’s why it’s essential to contact a professional pest control service. These services have years of experience identifying these issues and recommending the best treatment method.

If you suspect silverfish in your home, contact a professional to resolve the problem quickly.

Russell Pest Control boasts a team of trained and certified technicians for providing comprehensive residential pest control solutions in the Phoenix Valley. From silverfish control, ants control, and roach control to wasp control and honey bee removal, expect nothing but the best from our family-owned business. Call today.