Silverfish Identification & Prevention

A member of the order Zygentoma, silverfish gain their name from their silvery color and their fish-like movements. This pest grows between half an inch and an inch long, and it has a tapered abdomen. Silverfish have two long antennae and two cerci, which are long appendages that appear at the other end of their abdomen. This pest is very fast and attempts to avoid both light and humans for the most part.

Silverfish prefer to live in moist, dark, and well-protected areas away from any outside interference. In nature, this means they live under leaf litter, logs, or rocks. When they infiltrate your home or business, silverfish will be found behind furniture, in storage boxes, under sinks or bathroom cabinets, or in basements.

While silverfish are not dangerous in that they do not bite, sting, or carry any bacteria with them, they can be dangerous to your stored items and the fabrics. The silverfish’s preferred diet includes starches and protein-rich items such as stored grains, cereals, fibers, sugars, and fabrics. When silverfish manage to invade storage boxes full of clothing, books, or fabrics, they will go to town eating, ruining your items and damaging items that may be difficult to replace.

You may not see silverfish invade your property at first due to their small size, but once an infestation takes place, there are a few signs you can look for. Below we list some indications you have a potential silverfish problem.

• You start to see silverfish around bathrooms, kitchens, or basements.
• Silverfish droppings start to appear on surfaces or floors.
• Yellow staining or dust left behind by silverfish appears in places they frequent, such as fabrics, books, and stored items.
• Shed silverfish skins turn up on floors or surfaces.
• Damage caused by silverfish, such as holes in books, fabrics, and stored items, becomes prominent.

Any of these signs can indicate that these pests are invading your structure. Taking proper preventative actions can deter silverfish populations, but if you already have a problem with them, Squash A Bug Pest Control can help.

To get rid of silverfish around your home, try the following expert tips to help stop infestations:

• Seal up cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation of your property to keep these pests out.
• Keep your outdoor areas free of leaf litter, long grass, and debris to reduce hiding spots.
• Declutter interior areas and consider using airtight plastic containers to store items, as these are less likely to host silverfish.

Additionally, contact Squash A Bug Pest Control at the first signs of silverfish running wild around your property. With professional help, you can fully remove all traces of these pests and keep your home or business safe from a reinfestation.