How To Get Rid Of Silverfish In Your Jacksonville Home

Feb 28, 2022

Seeing dead silverfish is almost as disturbing a seeing a live one. These weird little creatures can cause distress, especially in large numbers, so it’s understandable to want to get to the bottom of their presence in your home. Keep reading to learn more about that strange silver bug in your house, whether a silverfish infestation is dangerous, and what causes them.

What Is This Silver Bug In Your Jacksonville Bathroom?

Silverfish in houses can cause some alarm, as they are quite unfortunate to look at. These weird little bugs get their names from their shiny, metallic appearance and fish-like movements as they writhe across our floors. They have teardrop-shaped bodies, six legs, two antennae, and three bristles on the back end of their bodies. Silverfish are pretty distinctive looking, but they can occasionally be mistaken for other similar-looking bugs like centipedes, earwigs, and firebrats.

Are Silverfish In Jacksonville Dangerous?

Overall, silverfish are pretty harmless. They cannot bite and don’t spread disease, but silverfish damage can accumulate in other ways. While they prefer protein in the form of other dead silverfish or meats, they can live off of carbohydrates and frequently survive on glue, paper, flour, and rolled oats. This can result in the loss of stored food or damage to books, wallpaper, and clothing.

Silverfish damage can add up over time, resulting in small holes and yellowish stains on the materials they eat. This is the greatest threat of having silverfish in houses.

What Causes Silverfish In Your Jacksonville Home?

Silverfish really aren’t indoor bugs. If they do come inside, it is because the food, moisture, and heat conditions indoors are more favorable than those outdoors. Paying attention to these conditions and treating them can get rid of an existing problem and prevent a future one. To prevent a silverfish infestation, try these tips:

Control the moisture conditions inside your home by using a dehumidifier and repairing leaks.
Don’t lean anything against the house.
Seal cracks and holes in the home’s foundation with silicone-based caulk.
Keep door and window screens in good repair.
Eliminate or repair moldy or wet wood.
Don’t store paper materials in basements, attics, or garages where silverfish can eat them.
Store flour and sugar in glass or metal containers.

Getting rid of silverfish doesn’t have to be hard, but finding the source of the infestation can be tricky. If you need help locating the source of the problem and preventing future silverfish invasions, the best way to get rid of silverfish is with Lindsey Pest Services.