Silverfish, easily identified pests known for their distinctive iridescent appearance, are not as common as other household pests like roaches, ants, and the like. However, noticing silverfish in your home likely indicates areas of access that other pests and insects could also use to gain entry, and could possibly point to a larger infestation elsewhere in the home.
Identifying Silverfish from Other Pests
As insects, silverfish are pests with three body segments, 6 legs, and 2 antennae. Yet, their overlapping scales and flat tapered bodies contribute to their silverfish nickname – loosely looking like a fish from a top-down view. Silverfish are most easily recognized by the silver color of the scales, long antennae that come from the head, and an oddly shaped tail that slightly protrudes from the end.
Habitat and Behavior:
Silverfish and their close relatives, firebrats, seek refuge indoors from unfavorable outdoor conditions, being particularly noticeable when seasons change, and mostly when the temperatures drop in the winter and/or fall. Once inside a home, silverfish prefer cool, damp areas like bathrooms, crawl spaces, and basements. Silverfish are primarily active at night, though you will occasionally see them finding their way into sinks or tubs during the day if in search of water.
Potential Harm:
Silverfish can’t physically hurt people, possessing no venom glands or delivery method. They also aren’t capable of creating structural damage to your home. They can, however, do some significant damage to non-structural items like wallpaper and the glue that holds on wallpaper. Silverfish may also find themselves in other places we don’t want them, consuming adhesives in the bindings of books, stored newspapers, starches in stored clothes, and dry foods. While they can’t hurt us, they can certainly ruin some things, especially in larger populations.
Silverfish Pest Control Solutions:
The necessity for silverfish pest control depends on the location of the pests themselves. Outdoor silverfish can stay outdoors and should be deterred by addressing potential entry points, such as loose-fitting door jambs or foundation cracks. Silverfish can even ride inside in surprising ways like after you’ve purchased older items like books or furniture that may secretly harbor these pests. Quarterly Pest Control treatments from Nature’s Turf provide a preventative measure to keep various crawling pests out of homes and identify vulnerabilities. In case of a significant infestation, the expertise of pest control professionals from Nature’s Turf can offer effective pest control solutions.
Understanding silverfish and their habits is crucial for successful pest management, especially in warm, wet climates like Georgia. Nature’s Turf provides comprehensive pest control services to protect homes from these and other intrusive pests like Silverfish, roaches, ants, and more. For more information, contact us at 770-461-4156 or email us at info@naturesturf.com. Explore the advantages of partnering with Nature’s Turf – your trusted strategic ally for residential pest control.
