Silverfish Identification & Prevention

What are Silverfish?

Many pest control services in Georgia offer treatment options for silverfish, an insect attracted to damp or humid conditions. Preferring to live in quiet, dark corners, these arthropods hail from the Zygentoma order and are easily identified by their silvery bodies and back-and-forth fishlike movements.

You can identify silverfish around your property by looking for the following characteristics:

• Half to one inch in length
• Silver-colored exteriors
• Tapered, teardrop-shaped body 
• Two long antennae and cerci

Silverfish are extremely cosmopolitan creatures and enjoy a wide distribution across the globe. There are 18 species located in North America alone and several million living pests within the state of Georgia.

American Pest Control has everything you need to deal with a silverfish infestation. Call (706) 702-4532 or fill out our online contact form to get started.

Are Silverfish Dangerous?

Silverfish pose little danger to people and pets. They are incapable of biting or attacking humans and cannot spread disease from place to place. Don’t let their sudden movements or surprising speed concern you; these insects are unable to affect humans on a physical level.

However, you should know that silverfish are extremely destructive and can easily destroy precious personal property. These insects consume cellulose as a primary food source, although they aren’t picky and often feed on adhesives, fabrics, and carpet. Some species even consume photographs, paint, and plaster, meaning it’s only a matter of time before they leave a trail of destruction in your home.

Why Do I Have a Silverfish Problem?

Silverfish require an extremely moist environment to survive, which means they cannot live in any location without a relative humidity of 75%. This makes it more likely for you to experience a silverfish infestation if your property has waterproofing issues, leaky pipes, and clogged drains, or cracks or gaps around the foundation.

The exterior of your home may also play a role in the increase of localized silverfish populations. Clogged gutters, for example, can lead to an overabundance of water and create perpetually damp zones where silverfish can thrive. The presence of tall vegetation and unmowed grass also encourages pests to infest the sides of the home. Pests may quickly discover entry points and vulnerabilities, leading them to invade your home in droves.

Where Will I Find Silverfish?

Silverfish prefer to spend their days in quiet, dark conditions. Outside, they prefer the undersides of rocks or the moist, rotting environment of poorly stacked firewood piles. Leaf litter, decomposing plants, and thick vegetation can also provide a welcoming environment with plenty of shade and moisture.

Inside, silverfish prefer to infest the darkest and dampest parts of your home. Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms are some of the most suspect areas, although showers, bathtubs, and attics can also house large populations. Be sure to investigate your basement or crawl space for the signs and symptoms of a silverfish infestation.