Silverfish are one of the weirdest insects around, not to mention one of the most elusive. Named after their unique appearance and manner of movement, these are tiny nuisance pests. They're slender, silvery bugs that appear to swim across the floor. Their alien aesthetic can be pretty jarring for homeowners, especially considering how rarely you're likely to encounter them, but did you know that they can also pose some real problems?
In this post, we'll outline everything you need to know about these curious creatures, including the best ways to root them out and prevent them from coming back. Read on to uncover the key to effective pest control in Queen Creek from Pro Active Pest Control providing residential and commercial services.
What Do Silverfish Look Like?
If you suspect you're dealing with a silverfish infestation, or if you want to know how to identify these uncommon insects, you've come to the right place.
Silverfish are about 3/4 of an inch long, with two antennae, six legs, and a flat, elongated oval-shaped body and bristled tail. Their distinctive appearance, with a shiny silver exoskeleton and way of crawling, resembles swimming. These pests are incredibly elusive, preferring to hide and run from potential predators.
How To Root Silverfish Out Of Their Hiding Spots
The first step of effective silverfish pest control is finding them. It can be a challenge due to how small and fast these little insects are, but you can take decisive action once you know where to look. Silverfish prefer to hide in dark, secluded locations of high moisture content or humidity, including basements, attics, bathrooms, closets, cabinets, and crawl spaces.
To treat a potential silverfish problem, you'll have to work on eliminating any sources of excess moisture around your home. Alongside fixing leaks and ensuring your ventilation functions well, consider investing in a dehumidifier to make your home a less ideal environment for silverfish.
What Kind Of Damage Can Silverfish Cause
You may be wondering at this point; are silverfish harmful? Although these pests are nothing more than a minor nuisance – they don't bite people, nor do they spread disease – silverfish can cause some significant property damage, especially if an infestation has broken out within your home.
The silverfish diet consists mainly of starches. While they often infest food storage areas, they will also eat paper and clothing. A silverfish population eating away at them could adversely affect old books, documents, or fabrics.
If you notice signs of silverfish damage – often marked by yellow stains surrounding irregular holes in affected items – it's advisable to seek some form of pest control treatment before things get any worse.
The Best Way To Keep Silverfish Out Of Your Home
Although it can be a challenge to keep these elusive pests away from your property, there are a few things you can do to keep things under control. Alongside eliminating any excess moisture around your property, be sure to seal up potential entry points and remain watchful for signs of property damage.
If you're struggling with an ongoing infestation or want to protect yourself from the possibility, our experts at Pro Active Pest Control are here to help. The best way to get rid of silverfish in your Queen Creek home is to partner with professionals.
Give us a call at Pro Active Pest Control to schedule your inspection, and our team of highly trained technicians can take care of the rest.