If you've ever seen a silverfish, you know how creepy they can be. These small, wingless insects often invade homes searching for food and shelter. While they are not harmful to humans, they can be challenging to get rid of on your own. If you're having trouble getting rid of silverfish on your own, it's time to call in the pros. A Queen Creek pest control firm, will quickly dispatch these critters from your home.
What Are Silverfish?
Silverfish are small insects that belong to the Lepismatidae family. They have long, flat bodies and grow up to .75 inches long. They are generally silver in color and have three long hairs at the end of their abdomens.
Proper identification is crucial for silverfish extermination and repelling; hence if you think you're not in a position to identify them positively, then it's advisable to call your local pest control company before you face a silverfish infestation. You can identify these pests by:
- Their Color: Most silverfish are shiny gray or brown in color with a metallic sheen, but they can also be dark green or blue
- Their Shape: They have long and slender bodies with three well-defined filaments that project from the back of their abdomen
- Their Diet: Silverfish are omnivores. They feed on almost everything found in your home, including paste or gum from envelopes, paper bags or cardboard boxes, and wallpaper glue. They also eat cereals, flour, bread crumbs, and other foods made of starch.
- Feeding Marks: Silverfish leave behind a powdery residue, which is their excrement. This residue looks like salt and pepper.
- Antennae: Silverfish have two long antennae, which protrude from the top of their head
- Legs: Silverfish have three pairs of legs, which they use for crawling and climbing
Are Silverfish Dangerous?
While a silverfish infestation is unsettling, it's not harmful to humans. However, these little critters can cause damage to your home. They can:
- Eat glue and wallpaper, causing them to peel away from the walls.
- Chew on clothing and furniture.
- They can chew through books and other items that contain starch or sugar.
- They can serve as food for other pests like carpet beetles and moths when they die.
- While they're not known to transmit diseases, they can contaminate food in your home and make you sick.
For a quick and lasting solution to your silverfish problem, it's crucial to call in a professional Queen Creek pest control firm. They'll recommend the best methods of silverfish extermination and get rid of them from your home.
Why Do I Have Silverfish In My House?
Silverfish are drawn into the moist, warm areas of your home or business. Common hiding places for silverfish include:
- Paper bags or cardboard boxes that have been stored away for extended periods.
- Kitchens and pantries can find food items like flour, wheat cereals, bread crumbs, and other foods made of starch.
- Bathrooms with shower stalls where they can get both moisture and food from moldy grout lines around the tile in showers, as well as hair on floors near sinks, tubs, and showers.
- Attics that are mostly undisturbed.
While home remedies for silverfish such as silverfish repellent may work short term, the best way to get rid of silverfish for good is by calling in a professional pest control firm. They have the experience and knowledge to recommend the best course of action.
What's The Best Way To Get Rid Of Silverfish?
As earlier stated, there are countless home remedies for silverfish, including the use of silverfish repellent, DIY insecticides, borax, and even diatomaceous earth. However, the best way to get rid of silverfish permanently is by calling Quell Pest Control. We'll quickly and humanely dispatch these critters from your home using the latest technology and products. Take action - call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation!