Have you ever noticed damage to books and clothing in your home? You might not realize it, but tiny silverfish could be responsible for destroying your belongings. These speedy pests are a nuisance to have around and can be frustratingly difficult to get rid of. The good news is there are ways to keep silverfish out of your Wilmington home that you can follow to protect your property from these pests.
About Silverfish
As their name suggests, silverfish are silvery-gray colored insects with a tapered body shape similar to a fish. They usually measure between ½ and ¾ inch in length and have long threadlike antennae. Females lay between 1-3 eggs at a time and can produce 50 eggs in their lifetime, meaning that infestations can become severe. Silverfish are remarkable survivors able to live for up to a year without food.
Silverfish are not considered dangerous and don’t bite, spread disease, or cause significant structural damage. However, they do have an appetite for keepsakes, heirlooms, and other belongings you may be storing in your attic or basement — especially those made of paper. Not to mention, silverfish can infest your pantry to feed on staples like flour and sugar.
Silverfish are elusive and can be difficult to eliminate. These pests are careful not to make their presence known and will do their best to stay out of sight, preferring to feed at night. And because of their long, flat bodies, silverfish can squeeze into tight hiding spots, making them difficult to spot. Since getting rid of an existing silverfish infestation is challenging, the best way you can protect your home from silverfish is to prevent them from coming inside in the first place.
What Attracts Silverfish?
Like other common household pests such as spiders and termites, silverfish are attracted to humid environments with plenty of food. A dank basement is a likely habitat, but silverfish can be found throughout the home. Cellulose-rich materials are a favorite for silverfish and paper, so book glue, silks, and linens are all known to be targets.
There are two main ways to reduce the factors that attract silverfish:
- Control humidity – Reduce the humidity in your home by regularly opening windows to ventilate, running fans, or installing a dehumidifier.
- Protect belongings – Store old clothing, books, or other paper and cloth-based valuables in sturdy containers with tight-fitting lids.
By making your home less hospitable to silverfish, you reduce the likelihood of an infestation developing.
How To Prevent Silverfish
Silverfish don’t just magically appear in your house. They are either brought in as hitchhikers or find their way in from the outdoors. A little conscientiousness goes a long way when it comes to preventing silverfish:
- Checkboxes and secondhand books – If you bring home any large boxes or paper cartons, be sure to inspect the contents for silverfish. Secondhand books and paper items should also be inspected for silverfish.
- Seal entrances – Check the exterior of your home for any noticeable gaps or cracks. Pay attention to the foundation and areas around pipes and seal any openings with caulk. Check your weather stripping and door sweeps and replace them as needed.
If you’re sick of seeing silverfish in your home, get the professional support you need from Jay Taylor Exterminators. Since 1941, we’ve provided Wilmington area homes with superior pest protection. Our residential pest control plans treat your home for a variety of nuisance pests like silverfish and come with a pest-free guarantee. With specialty services available for the most troublesome pests, we have the solutions to your problems. Get in touch with us today for your free estimate.