Silverfish
What Do Silverfish Look Like?
Silverfish are a unique insect that is easy to identify by their physical characteristics and unusual movements. Silverfish run very quickly using a wriggling, fish-like motion. Adults can grow up to about ¾ of an inch. They are wingless and have a flattened, carrot-shaped body that tapers from the head to the back end. Their body is brownish and is covered in silvery scales–giving them a shimmery appearance. Silverfish have long thread-like antennas and three long appendages extending off their hind end—one appendage comes straight off the back and the other two from the sides.
Are Silverfish Dangerous?
Silverfish are not considered a dangerous pest; they are mainly a nuisance. When living outside, they don’t cause any significant problems for people. However, indoors they can destroy personal property by chewing on clothing, upholstery, and items made of paper. They will also feed on and contaminate pantry items like flour, cereals, pasta, potatoes, and other starchy foods.
Where Am I Likely To Find Silverfish?
Outside, silverfish are found living in humid, dark areas near the foundations of homes and other buildings. Common silverfish hiding spots include under rocks, landscaping ties, mulch, leaf piles, and other debris. Silverfish often make their way inside through cracks in the foundation, especially when the weather outside becomes too hot and dry for them to live comfortably. You can find silverfish in a variety of places, including homes, schools, libraries, offices, and museums. Inside, they take up residence in dark, humid areas like basements, crawlspaces, bathrooms, kitchens, and underneath sinks. Since silverfish are attracted to areas of high moisture, having a silverfish infestation in your home can also mean that there is water damage present.
Does Modern Offer Silverfish Control?
At Modern Pest Control, we provide pest control solutions for homes and businesses that include treatment for silverfish. When you contact our company, we will start with a thorough inspection to determine where silverfish are living on your property. Our professionals will then design a layout customized for your property to control silverfish populations. Contact Modern Pest Control today for more information about the pest control solutions we provide in the Greater Houston area.
How Can I Prevent Silverfish Infestations?
Preventing silverfish infestations can be challenging. Below are some tips to discourage silverfish from choosing your property to live on and to keep them from migrating into your home.
- Seal up all spaces found in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.
- Place door sweeps on all exterior doors, especially basement doors.
- Leave a stone or crushed rock barrier between any mulch or soil and the foundation.
- Cut back overgrown shrubs and bushes from the outside of your home to ensure the sun can hit the ground around the foundation and dry out the soil.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris, so rainwater is directed away from the outside of your home.
- Inside, reduce humidity levels by using dehumidifiers and making sure crawlspaces are ventilated adequately.
- Store all pantry items in plastic or glass containers with air-tight lids.
