Silverfish
Silverfish

What are Silverfish?

Silverfish are scary looking – they get their name because they look a bit like a fish when seen from above and even sway like a fish that is swimming. But they are also pretty scary as a concept. If you see a silverfish in your home, then that means your peaceful sanctuary has been breached by these invasive and bothersome insects!

At Alta Pest Control, we aren’t afraid to do a little fishing now and then – silverfishing that is. Our silverfish control specialists are here to deliver the Gold Standard that each and every client deserves. Whether your home is overrun with silverfish or they are scaring people in your office, you can count on us to step up to the challenge and find the best way to get those silverfish off your property.

Silverfish look scary and alien, but that is only half right. They aren’t aliens, they’re insects. Specifically, they are wingless, scaled insects that are about 15 millimeters in length and prefer areas of high moisture.

What kinds of Silverfish are there?

Silverfish feed on a variety of materials, including books, paper, wallpaper, and fabrics, and can cause extensive damage to these items if left unchecked. They are particularly attracted to areas of high humidity, such as basements, attics, and bathrooms, and can often be found hiding in cracks and crevices. Over time, their feeding habits can cause unsightly holes and stains, and can weaken the structural integrity of materials. It is important to take measures to prevent silverfish infestations and address them promptly if they do occur to minimize their potential damage to your home.

Prevention and Control of Silverfish Infestations

Prevention is key when it comes to silverfish infestations. Keeping your home clean and dry is the first step in deterring these pests. This means regularly vacuuming carpets and upholstered furniture, using a dehumidifier in areas of high moisture, and sealing up any cracks or gaps in walls and floors where silverfish might enter. Additionally, storing paper goods and fabrics in airtight containers can prevent silverfish from feeding on them.

If you do find a silverfish infestation in your home, it's important to address it promptly to minimize damage and prevent the infestation from spreading. While there are DIY methods of silverfish control, such as using boric acid or diatomaceous earth, it's generally recommended to seek professional pest control services. Professional pest control companies have the knowledge and expertise to identify the source of the infestation and apply targeted treatments to eliminate silverfish and prevent future infestations.

Health Risks Associated with Silverfish Infestations

While silverfish do not pose a significant health risk to humans, their presence can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies. Additionally, silverfish may carry bacteria and other pathogens that can lead to illness if they come into contact with food or other surfaces in the home.

To minimize health risks associated with silverfish infestations, it's important to keep your home clean and dry and address any infestations promptly. If you have respiratory issues or are otherwise sensitive to pests, consider seeking professional pest control services to ensure that your home is free from pests and potential health risks.

Identifying and Differentiating Silverfish Species

Identifying different species of silverfish can be important when determining the best methods of control. The common silverfish is the most well-known species, with its distinctive silver scales and fish-like movement. The gray silverfish is similar in appearance but is less shiny and has a more grayish coloration. Four-lined silverfish, as the name suggests, have four distinct lines across their back, either vertically or horizontally.

While all species of silverfish are known for their destructive feeding habits, different species may have different preferences when it comes to materials they feed on or areas they prefer to inhabit. Identifying the species of silverfish in your home can help pest control professionals determine the best methods of control and prevent future infestations.

How Alta Pest Control Protects Your Home From Pests

All of our treatment plans are customized to your home and yard. We do this to ensure that you get the exact coverage you need to keep your home safe. All of our technicians and inspectors are experts in their field, so you can be sure that you are getting top-tier protection.

01
Inspection

One of our expert technicians will inspect every inch of your home and business for pest activity. Then they will create a custom plan based on their findings.

02
Initial Service

Once your custom plan is created, we will treat your home and yard to give you immediate relief from pests. Then, we will create a boundary around your property to prevent more pests from entering.

03
Follow Ups

After the initial service, we will conduct regular maintenance to ensure that your pest problems remain solved. We will also conduct free inspections for problem pests, such as termites.

04
Alta Guarantee

When it comes to pest control, we put our money where our mouth is. If we treat your home, and you're still seeing pests, we'll come back and retreat for free. We'll always have your back.

Silverfish FAQ

Are Silverfish Dangerous?

Silverfish do not pose immediate health dangers to most people. They are not venomous, do not have pincers or stingers, and they cannot even bite you or your pets. But that does not mean they are totally harmless.

  • Allergic reactions: Silverfish scales produce a natural, dusty protein that can drift into the air wherever they are in large numbers. People with dust allergies could experience respiratory difficulties if a silverfish infestation gets out of control.
  • Foodborne illnesses: Dry foods and carbohydrates are staples of a silverfish diet, so they might try to sneak into your stores of sugar, coffee, bread, and so on. As with any pest infestation, if your food gets contaminated by a silverfish, then its droppings could make you sick.
  • Document destruction: Some archivists and librarians call silverfish “book banes” because these creepy little insects love to eat pages, photographs, and basically any other type of paper document. Severe infestations might even cause the rapidly-breeding silverfish population to look for another plentiful food source: your home’s wallpaper.

Why Do I Have Silverfish in My House?

The first thing to consider if you think you have a silverfish infestation is whether or not your home’s humidity is preferable to the dry climate outside. If it is, then silverfish might try to escape the outdoors by sneaking in through the cracks of your windows, doors, floorboards, and so on.

Where will I find Silverfish?

Silverfish are found in wet and humid parts of your home. Most commonly they're found in bathrooms or near sinks.

How do I get rid of Silverfish?

The first step in controlling a silverfish population before it gets out of hand is to reduce the humidity in your home. As mentioned, silverfish need humid, moist, and dark places to live, or they can dry out and die. If your home’s humidity is low, then they will be less likely to want to live there. Cleaning up any indoor and outdoor piles of clutter that could provide a silverfish refuge from bright lights is also a necessity.

But once a silverfish infestation gets bad, it is time to call in the professionals from Alta Pest Control. We can use a variety of silverfish control methods based on the specifics of your property, the severity of the infestation, and whether or not you have any young children or pets. Our team takes pride in finding the best silverfish control methods that prioritize safety and efficiency.

How can I prevent a silverfish problem in the future?

Having a consistent pest control service schedule is key to a pest-free home. Call today to get your free quote! (866) 201-7787

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