Silverfish

What are silverfish?

Silverfish are hearty insects capable of adapting to most climates but have high moisture needs, and when living outside or inside structures, they prefer to live in dark, damp areas. Pearl-gray in color, covered in metallic scales, and moving from place to place using a wiggling fish-like manner, it is easy to see how silverfish received their name. These insects are also called “bristle-tails” because of the three long tail-like appendages that emerge from the body’s end.

Other ways to identify these common household invaders include their very long antennae and a body that is tear-drop or carrot-shaped; wider at the head and tapering towards the tail.

close up of a silverfish

Are silverfish dangerous?

Silverfish only pose a slight risk to our property and no real threat to us as they aren’t known for transmitting diseases. Best known for their destructive feeding habits when inside our homes, they feed on and damage things like papers, clothing, wallpaper, linens, and dry goods stored in the kitchen or pantry.

Why do I have a silverfish problem?

Silverfish often become a problem for us after we unknowingly transport them into our homes. They usually hide in or under things like cardboard boxes, potted plants, newspapers, or magazines. When we bring those items into our homes, we unknowingly bring silverfish with them.

These pests also move inside on their own six legs. If the areas they live outside become too dry, they will look to move indoors and seek solace in damp areas. Entry points for silverfish include gaps around windows and doors that form near damaged trim, cracks in the foundation, and holes in exterior walls.

Having silverfish in your home is also problematic because they are attracted to areas with a lot of moisture, meaning there could be an underlying moisture problem in your house that needs addressing.

Where will I find silverfish?

Silverfish often live outside in landscaped areas that border homes and other buildings. They like to hide under things like mulch, landscaping ties, and rocks. The underside of trash cans, recycling bins, woodpiles, and compost containers also provide a damp environment that attracts silverfish.

Typically entering into structures at ground level, silverfish quickly find their way into dark, damp areas of a home. Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, utility closets, and basements are where people often come into contact with these unique looking pests.

How do I get rid of silverfish?

National Exterminating Company will eliminate silverfish from Virginia homes and businesses through our quality pest control services. We have over 44 years of experience in the pest control industry. With that comes a deep understanding of the pests in our area that regularly invade residential and commercial properties.

Using low-impact, environmentally friendly pest solutions, thorough inspections, and performing effective treatments, we rid Tidewater, Hampton Roads, and Southside Virginia properties of unwanted silverfish. If you are ready to maintain a property that is free of silverfish, reach out to National Exterminating Company today and schedule your free inspection and consultation!

How can I prevent silverfish in the future?

Don’t allow silverfish to take over your home or business; with our professional services and the following tips, you can stop silverfish from invading:

Stop silverfish from getting into your home from your yard by sealing cracks in the foundation, repairing damaged trim, and placing weatherstripping around windows and doors.
Use dehumidifiers to eliminate the excess moisture from your home that attracts silverfish.
Stop silverfish from consuming dry goods in your pantry or kitchen by keeping food in airtight containers.
Clear out clutter from basements, closets, and other storage areas that allow silverfish to hide. Stacks of magazines, cardboard boxes, and piles of linens or bedding often hide silverfish.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.