Our Arizona climate welcomes all kinds of unwanted pests to our homes. One of the common insects we see is the sneaky and speedy silverfish. Handling silverfish pest control on your own can be quite a challenge- you may need silverfish pest control.
These pests have been around for millions of years and have become highly resilient to typical elimination methods. However, with advice from an experienced and skilled team, like JB’s Pest, there’s no need to fret.
In this blog, we introduce the silverfish and the qualities that make it so unique. Plus, we give you the industry’s top tips on silverfish pest control and prevention.
Continue reading to learn about silverfish and how to keep them from infesting your Arizona home.
Identifying Silverfish
Silverfish belong to a group of primitive wingless insects. It is related to other less-commonly known bugs, like firebrats and jumping bristletails.
The silverfish gets its fitting name from the silvery scales on its body and its speedy, fish-like movements. You can further identify them by their six legs, narrow, carrot-shaped bodies, three tail-like appendages, and two long antennae. They are about half to one inch long.
Are Silverfish a Danger to Humans?
Silverfish do not harm humans. Neither do they affect your precious pets, like ticks and fleas. Fortunately, they do not bite or sting. And they don’t spread diseases as cockroaches and flies do.
They may damage possessions like books and fabrics, especially if you have an infestation. However, the destruction they cause is nowhere near the impact of termites or carpenter ants. In most cases, the silverfish is simply a nuisance indoors.
Furthermore, some individuals may be allergic to the shredded scales of the silverfish. Unless the infestation is out of control, symptoms are typically mild.
What Are Silverfish Attracted to?
Although fewer homeowners know about this common pesky critter, they are considered an average pest. Silverfish can be spotted in the cleanest of houses or absolute filth. This means all homeowners need to know the best practices regarding silverfish pest control.
The first thing to know is what silverfish are attracted to. Unlike ants, flies, roaches, and other typical pests, the silverfish is not primarily lured into your home by sugary foods. Instead, they search for shelter, moisture, and starchy substances and materials.
Damp and Humid Conditions
To thrive, this ancient insect needs high humidity levels and plenty of moisture. Therefore, you may see silverfish in the most humid and damp areas of your home, like the bathroom and kitchen. Outdoors, you’ll spot them around moist soil, often under piles of yard waste, rocks, and clustered trees and bushes.
Suppose you experience higher indoor humidity levels in the heat of the summer. In that case, silverfish will especially be attracted to your home.
Starches
Do you have stacks of old mail, newspapers, and important documents? How about a stunning bookcase full of all your favorite reads? Or perhaps you have a closet stuffed with nostalgic dresses from important events or cardboard boxes of baby clothes you’re waiting to pass down?
These are a silverfish’s paradise. These insects have a strange Taste for fabrics, paper products, adhesives, and other materials packed with starch. A major sign of a silverfish infestation is seeing tiny holes in fabric and papers from their chewing. They’ll even slip behind your wallpaper to gnaw at the paste holding it to the wall.
Where Are Silverfish Hiding in Your Home?
As mentioned above, silverfish favor damp and humid hiding spots. Unfortunately, this can be several areas of your home, including your:
- Garage
- Attic
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
- Laundry Room
- Crawl Space
- Basement
Let’s look more closely into the silverfish’s preferred locations indoors.
In the bathroom
Many homeowners catch their first glimpse of a silverfish as they scurry in or out of the drains of sinks, showers, or bathtubs in your restroom. Here, there is plenty of moisture and shelter to help them thrive undetected.
You may also see silverfish inside the dark corners of your bathroom cabinet or behind the toilet. Leaky toilets are especially attractive.
In the Kitchen
In your home kitchen, silverfish also hide away in the sink drain. Additionally, they find the shelter and moisture they need under the sink cabinets, inside upper cabinets, and behind appliances, like the refrigerator or oven.
Tips and Tricks for Silverfish Pest Control
Because these primitive insects have been around for millions of years, silverfish pest control is slightly different than with other pesky critters. They are resilient and immune to many of the typical pest control methods.
If you spot several silverfish in your home, the best plan of action is to call your local pest control company that has the tools and experience to get rid of silverfish. However, suppose you haven’t yet seen any silverfish darting around your floors. In that case, it is time to start some prevention measures to avoid future problems with these stubborn pests.
Preventing Silverfish
The key to preventative silverfish pest control is eliminating the things they are attracted to. This will keep the pests from thriving indoors and may deter them from your home.
- Repair the cracks and small openings in your home’s structure. Specifically, inspect your windows and doors to ensure they are sealed from the outdoors. Sometimes the weather stripping can become worn and brittle. If this is the case, replace the weather stripping to prevent silverfish and other pests from easily entering your home.
- Use exhaust fans and other drying techniques in damp rooms. For instance, after taking a shower in your bathroom, switch on the exhaust fan and open the door to air out the space.
- Address plumbing issues immediately. Leaky faucets, pipes, and other plumbing fixtures create an ideal environment for silverfish.
- Keep your indoor humidity level between 30% and 50%. Not only are these settings healthy for the people in your home. But they also keep silverfish from thriving. Silverfish need humidity levels of about 75% to survive.
- Dispose of old stacks of paper products and fabrics. These are some of the preferred food sources for silverfish. If you have piles of important papers or fabrics, store them in a container off the floor.
- Use sealed containers for your pantry products. Rather than keeping pasta inside its cardboard box, place it in a zip-locked plastic bag or air-tight container.
DIY Silverfish Pest Control
Silverfish can be challenging to get rid of on your own. Though, if you prefer to implement some at-home methods before calling on the professionals, there are a few simple methods you can try:
Make a Silverfish Trap
Because silverfish love starchy foods, you can use this to your advantage. Place some flour, pet food, or cereal in a glass jar and remove the lid. Then, wrap the outside of the container in tape. Next, place the jar on the floor where you suspect the silverfish will visit it.
The grippy texture of the tape will allow the silverfish to crawl up the sides of the jar and get inside. But, when they try to get out, the smooth surface inside the glass jar will keep them in your trap. Later, check the jar for trapped silverfish and dispose of them.
Use Sticky Traps
You can find sticky traps at most hardware stores. Place them around your home where you have seen silverfish activity. Then, check the traps in a couple of days to see if any silverfish have been caught.
Spray or Diffuse Cedar Oil
Cedar oil is a natural deterrent for many pests and an excellent method for silverfish pest control. You can put a few drops of cedar oil into a diffuser and place the device in an area where you have noticed silverfish. Or you can mix some water with cedar oil in a bottle and spray the areas where you suspect silverfish.
Sprinkle Borax
Borax is used to get rid of fleas and silverfish. Grab a box of borax from your local grocery or hardware store and sprinkle the powder behind appliances, baseboards, cabinets, and other locations.
Allow JB’s Pest to Handle the Silverfish Pest Control
JB’s Pest Control is your one-stop shop for all your pest control needs. Silverfish are commonly a challenge to eliminate. However, the experts at JB’s Pest have excellent methods, extensive knowledge, and the right tools to rid your home of these sneaky pests.
If you see silverfish scurrying around your Arizona home, contact JB’s Pest Control to get rid of them quickly and effectively.
