Three Reasons Silverfish Have Invaded Your Atlanta Home

silverfish in the bathroom

Silverfish are common household pests in Atlanta and other parts of the country. These tiny insects can be incredibly annoying, especially if you've never had them. If you've noticed silverfish in your home recently, it's important to understand how they got there and what you can do about them. In this post, we'll discuss three reasons they have invaded your home and how you can get rid of them with pest control in Atlanta.

Reason One: They Are Searching For Food

Silverfish are small insects that generally have a grayish-brown color. They can range from one-half to an inch in length and have three prominent tail-like appendages on their abdomen called cerci. These creatures use these tails to move quickly through cracks or holes in your home's walls and floors.

Silverfish are primarily omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They will consume plant matter such as leaves, but also insects or other small lifeforms if the opportunity presents itself. Silverfish will consume anything made of cellulose (the material plants are made of). Silverfish eat clothes, paper products, and sometimes even wood.

Because these pests are searching for food wherever they can find it, and your home contains everything they need, silverfish control is a difficult task. If you want to do something about these pests, Squash A Bug Pest Control is here to help. Our technicians have training in all forms of pest control, including silverfish.

Reason Two: They Are Seeking Moisture

Remember, silverfish are small and can fit through tiny holes. That means they can get inside your home through cracks and crevices in your walls, roof, or foundation. Once inside, they'll look for a place to hide and lay eggs. Silverfish need moisture in order to survive; if they dry out too much, their bodies will shrivel up and die, so they'll look for any damp place warm enough to survive. These areas may include:

  • Behind sinks
  • Under toilet bowls
  • In wet basements
  • Near pipes and drains
  • In clogged drains or the garbage disposal
  • Around your water heater

Common rooms you will find silverfish include bathrooms, kitchen cabinets, and laundry rooms. 

Reason Three: You Brought Them In

You can also bring silverfish into your home on your clothes, in your bags, and on plants. If you're bringing firewood into the house from outdoors, it may contain egg cases that hatch over time. The same goes for mulch and other landscaping materials. And if you've bought potted plants at the store or someone else's house, there's a good chance they came with a few uninvited guests looking for a new place to call home.

Should I Call The Professionals When I See Silverfish In My Home?

Sometimes, it is possible to make your home less inviting for silverfish by removing their food sources or ensuring there are no leaky pipes that could provide water for them. However, if they are already in your house, this won't be effective enough to get rid of them.

Silverfish can be very difficult to get rid of as they reproduce quickly. The females lay eggs two to three times a day in clusters of up to 20 at a time. Silverfish eggs are often in cracks where you can't see them. Young silverfish can hatch in as little as three weeks.

If you see silverfish in your home, it's a good idea to call Squash A Bug Pest Control. We can help you prevent future infestations and get rid of existing silverfish. We have the experience and knowledge to deal with silverfish and other pests and can help you get rid of them quickly.

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