While silverfish do not pose a direct threat to humans, they can be quite destructive when they are in your home. Silverfish eat paper, fabric, glue, book bindings, wallpaper, and stored foods. They look for anything with carbohydrates or proteins to feed on.
| Appearance | Silverfish are small, carrot-shaped bugs that move in a fish-like way when they walk. They have shiny, silver-gray backs and can grow a tail-like appendage with 3 prongs. |
| Length | Anywhere from ½” to ¾” |
| Where You Can Find Them Inside | Silverfish like warm, humid areas of the home. You can often find them in bathrooms and basements. They may also hang out around closets and bookshelves. |
| Food Sources | Fabric, wallpaper and wallpaper glue, paper, glue, book bindings, photographs, receipts, dead or dying insects |
| Extra Facts | Silverfish are nocturnal. They can live for 2 to 3 years and reproduce quickly. They do not cause any structural damage or diseases. |
Complaints
Silverfish have destructive eating habits. From important documents and treasured photos to your favorite clothing, silverfish will leave holes in any unprotected items.
Solutions
Silverfish are small and can easily squeeze into cracks and crevices around your home. To prevent silverfish, rid your home of excess moisture. Seal cracks around your roof or foundation. You should also store food in sealed containers and remove any unnecessary clutter they can eat or hide in. In most cases, you’ll need to use multiple control methods to get rid of silverfish.
For help with your silverfish infestation, call Wildlife Enterprises, LLC. We’ll give you the tools you need to keep your home or business pest free. Call us today to get started.
Dan Lynch is a Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator with licensing from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. His permitted categories include household and health related pests, wood destroying pests, and public health vertebrate and invertebrate pests.
