Staying Safe Around Pest Control

Everything You Wanted (Or Didn't Want) To Know About Silverfish

One of the most common types of residential pest control inquiries is how to get rid of silverfish. These intimidating pests are silver/gray in color and fairly small in size. They earned their name due to their movements being similar to the movements of a fish. Silverfish adore warm, humid conditions, and can typically be found in cupboards, basements, bathrooms, closets, attics and laundry rooms. Because of their small size, these pests can live in small cracks and scale walls and ceilings as well as jump as much as two feet vertically, making them extremely difficult to catch.

Lifespan and Diet

Female silverfish can lay as many as 60 eggs during each breeding cycle. The eggs usually take about two months to hatch and silverfish can live between two to eight years. The diet of silverfish consists mostly of sugars and starches, but they also eat paper, glue and natural fibers. If you have an infestation of silverfish in an area where you store books, photographs, and other paper memorabilia, they can quickly destroy these items.

May Lead to Other Insect Infestations

Unfortunately, if you have an infestation of silverfish it is an open invitation for other insects to enter your home. Centipedes, spiders, and earwigs are predators of silverfish because they are a food source for these other insects. If you do not get a silverfish infestation under control, you may also end up with an infestation of spiders and/or other insects.

Getting Rid of Silverfish

Homeowners who try to get rid of silverfish on their own often find that the do-it-yourself residential pest control products may only temporarily reduce the infestation. It is also unsafe to try to use pesticides without knowing what type of chemical you are using. For silverfish control, it is best to contact professional residential pest extermination service. A local pest control company will be familiar with where these pests tend to hide as well as have the proper equipment to completely eliminate the silverfish infestation.

Silverfish do not sting or bite, so they are not dangerous. However, they can possibly contaminate food through their droppings. Once you have eliminated the problem there are several things you can do to prevent another infestation, such as keeping a dehumidifier in areas like the basement to reduce that moisture that attracts silverfish. You should also store your starches and sugars in sealed containers and make sure to wipe down kitchen surfaces daily. Silverfish lay eggs in carpeted areas, so you should vacuum thoroughly and often.


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