Are Silverfish Harmful? How to Get Rid of a Silverfish Infestation in Your Bathroom & House in Hermitage, PA

The common pests that wander into homes, like roaches, ants, spiders, and perhaps rodents are often seen by many people. Centipedes, earwigs, or even silverfish may be discovered on occasion. However, these occasional invaders can also be problematic. Though not necessarily a health concern, most of the occasional invaders may not even cause the damage to your home or business like the more common pests can do. When they intrude into your home, these occasional invaders are more of a nuisance than anything, but still have disadvantages. Unpleasantries can develop with infestations, the numbers only grow, and the feeding and nesting habits. Considering this information, we at Stewart Termite and Pest Control would like to discuss the basics of silverfish.

What Do Silverfish Look Like?

Homeowners frequently see these teardrop-shaped bodied insects that features three long bristles on the rear and are often found crawling in stored boxes in sheds and garages, as silverfish are drawn to damp fabrics and paper. As their coloring is commonly white to brown-gray and bluish-silver, silverfish average ½ and ¾ inches in length and do not stand out. As they need moist areas to thrive, they are likely hanging around the attics, kitchens, and bathrooms. Silverfish can be discovered in nearly any climate despite that they do not need moisture survive.

Are Silverfish Harmful?

In addition to shampoos, glue in books, silk, linens, as well as dead insects, the silverfish can consume many things as a part of their diet including carbohydrates, starches, unopened packaged goods. Because of their eating habits, they will destroy vintage clothing, clothes, books, wallpaper, and other possessions. Through gaps around the door frames, torn screens, and cracks in the foundation, is how silverfish invade homes more often than not. With silverfish, as they are particularly drawn to to dirty dishes, people with this chronic habit of leaving dirty dishes in the sink especially have a problem with silverfish. Also, silverfish can be introduced to homes by unsuspecting people that have these insects stowed away plastic containers and cardboard boxes from stores they were recently infesting.

Signs of a Silverfish Infestation

Silverfish can possibly trigger allergies to some people, though they are not a major health concern and are not linked to spreading diseases. Among other predatory attracted to silverfish, carpet beetles are especially likely to infiltrate home. Making them become unnoticed for a time, silverfish are secretive and nocturnal insects. Their presence is likely to become known by seeing tiny pepper-like feces around damp corners, as well as the damage on the paper, books, wallpaper, and clothing. People will start to find these insects crawling along tubs and sinks, once their numbers get out of control, as the reproduce quickly. Developing quicker in optimal climates, silverfish are highly likely to be in more humid locations and the nymphs due to their preference to moisture. Though they can flourish in most conditions, they are adaptable. Keep trash lids secure and keep the food containers sealed as well as maintain the sanitation, like doing the dishes, cleaning off countertops and floor to minimize a silverfish infestation. Be sure to seal your home appropriately.

Pest Management

Call Stewart Termite and Pest Control and let our specialists help in the event you discover a silverfish infestation or simply want assistance avoiding them.