Silverfish are small, teardrop-shaped insects with shiny, silvery-gray bodies. They have long, slender antennae and three tail-like appendages sticking out from their rear. They move in a distinctive, wriggling manner, almost like swimming through the air. You’ll usually spot them darting quickly across floors, walls, or ceilings, especially in dark and humid places.
Silverfish often wandered in from outside. It’s possible you brought them in on boxes, luggage, or old furniture. Wherever they find the right conditions, they’ll settle in and start to make themselves at home.
Silverfish eat a variety of things found in your home. Their favorites include paper products, books, clothing, wallpaper, and even food crumbs like cereal, pasta, or flour. If you’ve got it in your house and it’s organic, there’s a good chance silverfish will munch on it.
While silverfish aren’t dangerous to humans, they can still cause a few problems. They don’t bite or spread disease, but they do damage property. They love chewing on paper, books, and fabrics, which can be frustrating if you find your prized book collection or important documents gnawed. They're not a health threat, but destroying your things can be a hassle.
Warm, moist areas with plenty of food sources attract silverfish. Think bathrooms, kitchens, basements, crawl spaces, and attics with higher humidity levels. They’re also drawn to paper, starches, and sugars, so books, cardboard boxes, and pantry food are on their list of favorite snacks. A cluttered, dark area also offers them a safe space to thrive.
Silverfish can sneak in through tiny cracks and gaps around windows, doors, or the foundation. They might also get inside via boxes, bags, or secondhand furniture. Once inside, they’ll head straight for humid areas with plenty of food, like your basement or attic. They’re small, so they can slip into the tiniest openings without you even noticing.
Spotting these quick, wriggling creatures in your home is a good sign you’ve got a silverfish problem. Other signs include finding yellow stains on books or fabrics, gnawed edges on paper or cardboard, and little holes in your clothes. Silverfish like to hide in dark, damp places, so if you've got these areas in your home, chances are, they’re nearby.
You’ll need to tackle both the pest and the environment to get rid of silverfish. Four Seasons Pest Control offers home pest control services that eliminate existing infestations and stop new silverfish activity from occurring. What’s more, we’ll point out conducive conditions to correct.
To prevent silverfish infestations, we recommend the following pest prevention tips:
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