Silverfish
(Lepisma saccharina)
What are silverfish?
Silverfish are part of the order Zygentoma and have a hearty appetite. They feed on starches, cellulose, glue, dead insects, and stored pantry products. Silverfish have an almost “alien-like” appearance. Their flat, carrot-shaped body is covered in silvery scales and helps people to identify these insects. They also have three bristle-like appendages that extend from their hind end and two very long antennae that emerge from their head. These insects often startled people because they seem to dart quickly across rooms, going to and from dark areas.
Are silverfish dangerous?
Many “dangerous” pests can find their way into our homes; luckily, the silverfish is not one of them. These pests are more of an annoyance to deal with than a danger. When inside our homes, their feeding habits contaminate food and damage items like books, wallpaper, stored clothes, and rugs.
The biggest concern when it comes to silverfish is that their presence often indicates an underlying moisture problem around your house that you’ll need to address. Moisture problems not only attract silverfish but other moisture-loving pests that can cause even more problems for you and the structure of your home.
Why do I have a silverfish problem?
Silverfish are pests that find their way inside homes and other structures on their own, usually while searching for an area that meets their high humidity needs. They move inside through damaged wood trim, spaces in the foundation, and gaps under doors. These pests also get inside in cardboard boxes, potted plants, and other items that were previously outside. Read this blog to learn more: “Why Do I Have Silverfish In My Raleigh Home?“.
Where will I find silverfish?
Silverfish have high moisture needs, and when these pests move into our homes, they often end up in bathrooms, basements, and under sinks. During the day they hide in dark, secluded places, and at night they emerge to forage for food. Silverfish are highly attracted to damp paper, cardboard boxes, and clothing, which means that garages and other storage spaces also become home to silverfish.
How do I get rid of silverfish?
Win the war against silverfish and other pests with the help of an experienced professional. At Innovative Pest Solutions, we can provide fast and effective pest control services in Raleigh, NC that homeowners can trust. We get rid of pests and stop them from coming back!
Protecting our customer’s home, health, and the environment are our top priorities. To learn more about our locally owned and operated company and our affordable pest solutions, reach out today! We will be happy to provide you with information about our residential pest control options.
How can I prevent silverfish in the future?
To prevent silverfish from becoming a problem on your Raleigh, North Carolina property, partner with Innovative Pest Solutions. Also, implement the following tips to guard your home against silverfish:
- Replace any wood trim around windows and doors that becomes damaged by water.
- Seal cracks in the foundation and place door sweeps on exterior doors to further help keep these pests out of your home.
- Create a crushed stone barrier between the soil or garden areas and your foundation.
- In kitchen and pantry areas, store dry goods in containers with airtight lids.
- Remove excess water that attracts silverfish and other moisture-loving pests using dehumidifiers and fans, maintaining gutters, and fixing leaky pipes.
Helpful Silverfish Articles
Seven Easy Tricks To Keep Silverfish Out Of Your Raleigh Home
