These Sneaky Pests Can Damage Your Belongings—Learn How to Spot and Eliminate Silverfish at Home!
Silverfish are one of the most elusive and persistent pests that can infest your home. These small, silver-gray insects are known for their quick movements and rapid reproduction capabilities. They thrive in dark, damp environments such as attics, closets, and basements.
While they do not bite or spread disease, silverfish can cause significant damage to your belongings, including books, wallpaper, and clothing. Silverfish may also destroy your closet's silks, cotton, and other luxury fabrics. They will chew on leather goods and accessories if they find none of those first choices.
You may be fine if you only spot 1 or 2 of them. A few silverfish can maintain a good insect equilibrium in the home. They eat predatory arthropods, including spiders, and will even eat their own dead. So, you shouldn't necessarily kill silverfish if you see only one. However, if you see many of them, you likely have a silverfish infestation that needs remediation.
This guide will help you identify silverfish, understand what attracts them, and offer practical solutions to keep your home pest-free.
How to Identify Silverfish
Silverfish are small, wingless insects typically measuring ½ to 1 inch long. They have a shiny, silvery appearance, long antennae, and three tail-like appendages at the rear.
These pests are commonly found in dark, humid areas like bathrooms, basements, and attics. They feed on the starches and sugars in paper, books, and even glue.
These nocturnal insects live in outdoor and indoor areas where moisture and high humidity occur.
Why Silverfish Are Attracted to Your Home
Silverfish thrive in warm, damp, and dark environments. They are attracted to areas with high humidity and food sources like paper, cardboard, clothing, and glue.
To keep silverfish away, reduce moisture in your home by using dehumidifiers and fixing any leaks. Sealing cracks and gaps around windows and doors will also prevent them from entering.
Damages Caused by Silverfish
Silverfish can cause damage to your home and its contents in several ways:
Contaminating Food Sources
- Silverfish can chew through cardboard, paper, and plastic packaging to get food like flour, sugar, and rolled oats.
Damaging Home Items and Accessories
- Silverfish can chew holes in books, clothing, wallpaper, and furniture upholstery. They can also damage book bindings, linens, and cardboard boxes.
Allergic Reactions
- Some people are allergic to silverfish shed scales and droppings, which can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
Stay ahead of these pests by doing the following:
- Keep Food Products Tightly Sealed: Keep food in airtight containers.
- Vacuum: Vacuum carpets, floors, and furniture regularly.
- Eliminate and Control Excess Moisture in Home: Use a dehumidifier in your basement to reduce water sources.
- Fill and Seal Cracks and Crevices: Seal cracks in your home to stop silverfish from laying eggs.
- Use a Bug Spray: If you only spot a small quantity, use a pest control spray to kill silverfish on contact.
How to Eliminate Silverfish
To eliminate silverfish:
- Start by cleaning areas where they may hide, such as behind furniture or appliances.
- Use sticky traps to catch them, and try natural repellents like essential oils (e.g., lavender or citrus) to deter them. If the infestation is severe, it's best to call a professional pest control service for targeted treatments.
- Prevent them from returning by eliminating food sources, reducing moisture, and sealing cracks in your home.
- Call a Pest Professional such as Turner Pest Control to evaluate the root cause and concern triggering the silverfish infestation.
Keep silverfish from taking a shine to your home!
If you suspect an infestation or need help with silverfish prevention, contact Turner today for a thorough inspection and expert pest control solutions. We'll ensure your home stays safe and pest-free all year long!
If you need support, call our team at Turner Pest Control at 800-225-5305 or complete an inspection form HERE. You can also get a FREE quote for your customized home pest control solutions.
