Scaly and silver to metallic brown, silverfish are a wriggly insect drawn to moisture and are known to be in bathrooms, kitchens, and any area of the house where they can find an adequate food supply with plenty of humidity. While not as dangerous as some other bugs, silverfish can damage fabric, wallpaper, and bedding (which means that it is not unusual to find silverfish in bed). They can lay more than one egg every day, quickly leading to a full-blown infestation.
If silverfish have started to take over your home, now is the time to learn what they look like, their purpose, where they come from, and the best way to safely remove them from your home. If you are struggling with a silverfish infestation, Pro Active Pest Control provides pest control in Elk Grove you can rely on to get rid of them quickly and for good.
Why Are Silverfish Called Silverfish?
Silverfish are not fish but rather are wingless insects with silver-looking scales resembling that of a fish. They are about half an inch on average in length, with six legs, two antennae, and three bristles at the end of their abdomen. They are teardrop-shaped. Despite their scaly appearance, water is not a significant requirement for them. A silverfish diet mainly consists of protein and starch-rich sources, including household items like clothes, newspapers, and wallpaper, which they can quickly damage.
What Is The Purpose Of Silverfish?
Silverfish are decomposers, feeding on foods and household items rich in protein and starches, such as grains, vegetables, bedding, and stored food outside and your home. You are unlikely to see them during the day, as they are nocturnal insects, but seeing even one often means you are dealing with a full-blown silverfish infestation since they tend to stay away from human activity. Do not wait to see several before taking steps to get rid of them.
Where Do Silverfish Come From?
Silverfish will come inside a home from the outside or through infested products. Silverfish will quickly make their way inside using foundations and cracks in the structure and find shelter in humid rooms such as bathrooms and basements, where they will lay their eggs and reproduce. Silverfish are attracted to leftover food sources, dirty kitchens, garbage cans, and everyday household items like wallpapers, newspapers, and bedding, which they will consume for their high starch content.
What Can I Do To Remove The Silverfish From My Home?
If you notice silverfish infestation signs, it is crucial that you take immediate steps to remove them from your home before they can reproduce. The following can help you with silverfish control:
- Do not leave food scraps and leftovers out. Clean your kitchen as soon as possible after cooking and eating.
- Vacuum carpets and rugs, and mop floors regularly.
- Consider dehumidifying your house as silverfish thrive in high humidity.
- Check that fine mesh screens on doors and windows are in good shape—seal cracks in your home’s structure and foundations.
- For advice on silverfish poison and traps, reach out to a pest control company.
By combining the advice above with a professional pest control plan, you can take control of silverfish infestations safely and effectively.
Silverfish are a destructive pest that can chew through bedding and food supplies. The best way to get rid of silverfish is to rely on experts to assess your situation and recommend the appropriate treatment. If you are struggling with a silverfish infestation in your Elk Grove home, Pro Active Pest Control can help you get rid of them quickly and for good.