How to Prevent a Silverfish Infestation in Your Home

Are silverfish hiding in your home?

You may have encountered silverfish in your home at some point. These creatures are quite common and, while harmless, they have the potential to infest your living space. These shiny silver insects are easily recognizable by their antennae and fine, fish-like scales that cover their bodies. Typically, adult silverfish measure about ¾ inch in length, with two antennae and three tail projections.

Once female silverfish reach adulthood, they continuously lay eggs in concealed areas around your home. Within three weeks, these eggs hatch, and silverfish reach adulthood in just four to six weeks. This means that a home infestation can develop swiftly, but don't worry, Viking Pest is here to assist you!

Are Silverfish Harmful?

Silverfish are considered nuisance pests. They won't bite you or cause any health issues, but they can contaminate food by leaving their waste behind. Additionally, they can damage your home and its contents by chewing and consuming items such as linens, paper, and the glue in wallpaper, book bindings, carpet, curtains, and furniture coverings. Their feces can also lead to unsightly stains.

Spotted a silverfish? Call Viking at 800-618-2847!

Where to Look for Silverfish in Your Home

To identify a silverfish problem, homeowners should inspect areas with high humidity and limited light, such as basements, kitchens, and bathrooms, where silverfish tend to thrive. Furthermore, dark, undisturbed spaces like closets and storage areas are prime hiding spots for silverfish. If materials in your home show signs of yellow stains, scales, or feces (characterized by tiny black, pepper-like pellets), it's a clear indication of an infestation.

What Attracts Silverfish?

Silverfish are drawn to items in your home that contain starches, sugars, and cellulose. This includes paper, cardboard, wallpaper, books, cereals, grains, and clothing. It's crucial for homeowners to be vigilant in safeguarding these items, as they serve as attractive sources of food and nesting material for silverfish.

Preventing a Silverfish Problem

To prevent silverfish issues, homeowners can lower humidity levels in their homes by using dehumidifiers and promptly fixing any plumbing leaks. Regular cleaning, decluttering, and sealing cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation can deter these pests (and others) from entering your home. Storing food items in airtight containers and maintaining cleanliness, especially in hard-to-reach spaces where silverfish may hide, is essential.

Don't wait for an infestation. Call Viking at 800-618-2847!

Getting Rid of Silverfish

Homeowners can effectively eliminate silverfish by using traps, like glue traps or jars with starchy bait, to capture them. Additionally, applying diatomaceous earth in areas frequented by silverfish acts as a desiccant, effectively dehydrating these pests. Regular cleaning and decluttering also help eliminate hiding spots and reduce the silverfish population. Alternatively, homeowners can opt for professional pest control services like Viking Pest for extensive and long-term silverfish eradication.

The Viking Solution

Viking’s Home Protection Plans can help keep your home free of silverfish. Don't allow a silverfish infestation to take hold, call Viking today to safeguard your home from seasonal pests all year round.