How to Get Rid of Silverfish and Prevent an Infestation
In this blog, our experts from Vulcan Termite and Pest Control teach you how to get rid of silverfish, what the scaly guys are (insects? crustaceans?), and why they appear in your home in the first place.
What Are Silverfish? Are They Bugs?
Because of their name and unique appearance, people mistakenly think that silverfish are terrestrial crustaceans, like roly-poly “bugs.” However, silverfish are actually insects, scientifically known as Lepisma saccharinum.
These small insects have silvery-gray, elongated bodies that taper toward the tail end (almost like a carrot) and range between one-half inch to a whole inch long; they are wingless and dart around quickly on their six legs, wiggling in a motion that looks like a swimming fish. All along their bodies, you’ll see small barbed hairs.
Why Are Silverfish in My Home?
Silverfish thrive in high humidity, which is why they’re most often found behind toilets, under kitchen sinks, in basements, and throughout old homes and apartments with poor ventilation. We’ve even seen them on the bedroom walls and ceilings of old apartment buildings, where water from above units has leaked and damaged them.
Are Silverfish Harmful?
Silverfish are not harmful to people or pets. They do not bite, have venom, or carry disease. Although their body-lining barbed hairs look threatening, they aren’t.
However, they are a nuisance pest known for eating starchy materials such as paper, glue, and clothing, much like book lice. So, we figure you still don’t want them in your home, even though they’re not a destructive or harmful menace.
How to Get Rid of Silverfish
Considering that humidity and moisture-logged materials are the scaly bugs’ main attractors, these environmental factors have everything to do with how to get rid of silverfish.
Getting rid of dampness and humidity in the home can range from simple to complicated. The simpler routes involve finding and repairing plumbing leaks, using dehumidifying products and appliances, and keeping areas of the home with poorer ventilation clean.
It gets more complicated when silverfish show up in unexpected places, which most often happens in older buildings where humidity has caused water damage that attracts them. In these cases, you may need a contractor to gut and repair the damage.
It’s also important to note that silverfish aren’t usually found in colonies or other groups; they’re primarily solitary creatures that roam and forage for food independently.
What if There Are Too Many Silverfish On My Property?
“Infestations” of silverfish are uncommon, but if you have one even after addressing causes of excess humidity, contact our experts at Vulcan Termite & Pest Control Inc. to create a custom, integrated management plan.
If any small wild arthropod (arachnid, crustacean, insect, or otherwise) is interfering with your comfort, safety, or quality of life, give us a call at 205-663-4200 or contact us online. We can safely eliminate harmful pests and implement short- and long-term prevention solutions. Our team has proudly served families in Alabama since 1965, and we would love to help you, too!