Silverfish Pest Control

Silverfish are teardrop shaped insects that are typically silver or gray in color. They have two long antennae and three long bristles that extend from their abdomen. Adult silverfish grow to be about ¾ of an inch long. The most common species of silverfish in the U.S. is called the common North American silverfish. Because of their eating habits, silverfish in your home can contaminate food and damage items like books, clothing, carpets, furniture, pictures, and wallpaper.

Silverfish are attracted to dark, moist areas, which is why they are commonly found in rooms like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, storage areas, damp basements, leaky pipes and crawl spaces. Specific spots include showers, sinks, and kitchen cabinets. Silverfish can also be found in areas that contain the items they feed on, which include paper, clothing and other fabrics, and wallpaper. They also feed on the cellulose found in shampoos, shaving foams, and other personal products, which is one reason they can be found in bathrooms.

Silverfish may enter a home or business through easy access entry ways, such as cracks and crevices, windows and doors, in search of a warm, damp living environment. With this, they are also in search of a source of food. Some such sources are paper, cardboard, fabrics, stored food, glue, and shampoo. The most common way for silverfish to enter a building is by being brought in on infested items like boxes and packages.

Silverfish are indoor pests. This means that, as long as their living conditions remain ideal, they can feed and lay eggs year round. Silverfish are nocturnal and are only active during the day if the area they inhabit is dark.

The best way to avoid attracting silverfish is by reducing moisture levels. This can be done through the use of dehumidifiers and air conditioners. Fixing leaks and wiping out sinks, bathtubs, and showers can also help. It is important to eliminate possible entrances by sealing cracks in the foundation and caulking around doors, windows, and baseboards. Carefully inspect any boxes, newspapers, or packages for silverfish before bringing them inside. Since silverfish can live in so many different areas of a home or business and are active year round, they can become a problem very quickly. To get rid of silverfish on your property call EXCEL today and have one of our experts visit you.