A Simple Pest Guide to Silverfish

Many critters can invade a home and make the life of the residents less comfortable. One of these creatures is the silverfish. They might not be as dangerous as some other pests, but they can contaminate food and damage various belongings.

The key to controlling a silverfish infestation is to learn what attracts them to a house.

What are silverfish, and why do they invade people’s houses?

Although silverfish aren’t fish, they have this name due to their fish-like movements and shape. These gray or silver insects have flat bodies that allow them to slip into crevices quite easily. Most are shiny and slender, their bodies tapering from rounded heads to pointed abdomens.

There are many ways to spot a silverfish infestation, but the easiest method might be to look for feeding marks. The marks are often irregular, ranging from holes to notches along edges and surface etchings. In addition, their feces (black pepper-like substances), scales, and yellow stains are often on affected surfaces.

Here are a few reasons for a property attracting silverfish:

DARK AND WARM PLACES

Silverfish generally prefer warm, dark places with temperatures around 70 to 90 degrees. Homeowners are more likely to notice them in winter when the critters seek to escape harsh outdoor conditions.

MOISTURE

Silverfish can’t survive in low-humidity conditions. The moisture level needs to be at least 75%, making damp indoors a perfect abode for these creatures. As a result, they usually wander into laundry rooms, cabinets, garages, kitchens, and bathrooms.

PROTEIN- AND CARBOHYDRATE-RICH FOOD

Protein, like dead insects and dried beef, is the favorite food of silverfish. However, carbohydrates are just as crucial to their nutrition. As a result, people often find them in the kitchen gnawing on starches, rolled oats, and flour. They also ruin other household items such as book bindings, paper, and cardboard boxes.

How to reduce the risk of a silverfish infestation

There are several ways to reduce the number of silverfish in a house.

LOWER MOISTURE LEVELS

Reducing moisture might be the best action to take when controlling the presence of silverfish. Here are a few tips:

• Repair leaky faucets and pipes.
• Install dehumidifiers in moist areas to lessen humidity and water condensation.
• Turn on ventilation fans while cooking or taking a shower.
• Remove debris from downspouts and gutters.
• Make sure the landscaping allows water to drain away from the property.

SEAL CREVICES

Silverfish can enter a house through various openings. Therefore, homeowners should seal crevices and cracks behind and under baseboards, around door trim, and windows. Another good idea is to patch up holes in floors and walls.

HIDE FOOD SOURCES

The chance of food contamination caused by silverfish is much lower if items are stored in airtight containers.

Reach out to an expert

DIY methods can work, but they’re nowhere near as effective as treatment by pest control specialists. So instead, contact the pros to inspect the house and ensure silverfish are no longer a threat.

Russell Pest Control is a family-owned Phoenix area pest control company specializing in effective, responsible and proactive insect, weed, and rodent control for commercial and residential customers. We offer free estimates. Call (623) 469-7583 today! "Expect the best from Russell Pest"