Silverfish: What are they, and how do I get rid of them? The Ultimate Guide

Are you creeped out when you find tiny, silvery insects crawling around your home? These pests are known as silverfish and can be a real nuisance. In this Ultimate Guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about what silverfish are, how to identify them, what attracts them, and, most importantly, how to get rid of them. 

What are silverfish?

They are small, wingless insects that are silver or grey in color. They are about ½ inch long and have a flat, elongated body. They are often mistaken for centipedes or firebrats but are members of the Thysanura family.

Where do silverfish come from?

Silverfish are found all over the world and are known to be resilient creatures that can survive in a variety of environments. They thrive in damp, dark places and can often be found in basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and attics.  Because they are drawn to moist, humid environments,  it makes sense that they would be found in more significant concentrations in regions with higher humidity levels.  Obviously, this describes where we perform pest control services in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Parrish, and the surrounding local areas. 

What attracts a silverfish?

Silverfish are attracted to a variety of things, including:

• • Moisture: They need moisture to survive, so they are often found in damp areas of your home.  Most customers commonly call for pest control service after seeing them in the bathroom.  

• • Paper products: They feed on paper products like cardboard, books, magazines, and wallpaper.  If you have a significant or valuable book collection, monitor the humidity level in that area.  It is recommended to keep the humidity level below 50%.  Air conditioning removes humidity, but some units can’t do a good enough job.  Adding a dehumidifier to the area will help you achieve the desired results.  

• • Starch: They feed on starchy substances like glue in bookbinding glue, wallpaper glue, and natural fabrics such as cotton and silk. They are also attracted to food crumbs and residues. 

It is worth noting that they can indicate a more significant moisture problem in the home. These insects thrive in damp environments and are often found in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. If left unchecked, excessive moisture can lead to mold growth and structural damage to the home.  Moisture can also create gathering areas for other pests, such as ants and cockroaches. 

How to get rid of and kill silverfish?

There are several methods to get rid of silverfish, including:

1. 1. Reduce moisture: Since they are attracted to moisture, reducing humidity levels in your home can help deter them. Fix leaky pipes or faucets and use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity.
   2. Remove food sources: Silverfish feed on paper products and starchy substances, so removing these items from areas where you’ve seen silverfish can help control their population.
   3. Use insecticides: Insecticides also kill silverfish, but they should be used cautiously by a licensed extermination company such as Rodent Solutions. 

Are they dangerous? 

No, they are not considered dangerous to humans and are not known to carry any health risks. While they may be a nuisance to homeowners due to their tendency to eat and damage items like books, wallpaper, and clothing, silverfish are not known to bite humans or transmit any diseases.  While they are not dangerous to humans, their presence can still cause some individuals discomfort and anxiety (entomophobia).  

Can you handle them for me? 

If you have silverfish near Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Sarasota, and Parrish areas of Florida, Rodent Solutions can handle your silverfish problem for you.  Customers find them creepy and gross, so we usually apply products to control them in their common areas during every initial pest control service to help stop an issue before it starts.  It takes very little of the correct product to control these pests.  Call us today and discover why we are the best company near you!   

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