Why Is It So Hard To Keep Silverfish Out Of My Jacksonville Home?

Jacksonville residents are a tough bunch. We handle the brutal Florida heat, the tourists, and inconsistent North Florida sports teams with dignity year in and year out. (Well, we try our best, at least). However, you know you’d be lying if seeing a silverfish scurry across your living room didn’t make your skin crawl; or if after you’ve seen one in your bathroom, you get a pit in your stomach every time you walk in there. Why are these little pains so difficult to keep out?

Silverfish are one of the most unique types of insects in the world. Resembling small, silver lobsters, these tiny pests are a grayish-white color, yet their shimmery outer shell makes them look silver. They have two antennae coming out of the front of their heads, six legs, and a very long tail that comes to a three-tipped point at the end.

Jacksonville homes are prone to silverfish infestations because of the damp conditions around the foundations of most homes. Silverfish love damp, dark places like basements, attics, crawlspaces, bathrooms, and behind appliances in kitchens. They typically feed on starches, decaying insects, dust, and even human hair (which might be why they like bathrooms so much).

Seeing a silverfish in your bathroom is terrifying because, well, just look at them. They’re scary pests to look at. But they won’t actually hurt you. They’re not known to carry diseases or be dangerous to humans in any way (besides people with specific allergies). What they can hurt, however, is your home, food supplies, and wallet.

While you might not always see the pests themselves (they’re very skittish and fast), their damage may become apparent. They chew on cardboard-like material, sometimes chewing all the way through cereal and rice boxes in your pantry. They’ll also gnaw at your wallpaper, books, and linens. If you begin to see holes, tears, or yellowing in books, notebook paper, or magazines around your home, you can be fairly certain you’ve got a silverfish problem.

Silverfish Prevention

Since these pests are quick crawlers and can squeeze through tiny cracks and crevices in your house, they’re difficult to keep out. Your best bet is to make sure they’re not attracted to any places in your home. The main goal here should be moisture maintenance. Always check outdoor AC units for leaking water that could seep into your home’s foundation. You should also check appliances, basements, and crawl spaces for leaking pipes that may create ideal silverfish conditions. A dehumidifier might also help control the moisture in your basement and attic.

Along with moisture maintenance, you’ll also need proper food-storage techniques. Silverfish will chew through cardboard, so try storing cereals and other dried goods in plastic or glass containers. At the end of the day, however, it is tough to deal with silverfish on your own. Even the homes with perfect moisture control and food storage are subject to infestation as silverfish will even thrive off of the mold growing under moisture-holding roof shingles.

So what’s the solution? Go with a sure thing and guaranteed results. The best way to get rid of silverfish and keep them out is to contact the professionals at Lindsey Pest Services. The damage from silverfish can be costly, and the home remedies are too much of a headache (especially for inconsistent results).

Reach out to the pest professionals here at Lindsey Pest Services and get rid of silverfish for good. Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control offerings.