Silverfish

What do silverfish look like?

Silverfish are slender insects with round heads that taper down to pointed abdomens. They are pearl gray and appear to shine, which is what makes them look silver. At the end of the abdomen, silverfish have three appendages that are a bit like tails. On the other end of their heads, they have two antennae. Silverfish do not have wings, they cannot fly, but they can move very fast.

What attracts silverfish?

Silverfish are attracted to dark, damp areas. They are commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and attics. Once inside homes and buildings, silverfish often find their way to damp clothing and anything made from paper. They are attracted to cardboard boxes and are often found in storage units and containers. They are known to feed on starch, human hair, dust, and dead insects.

Are silverfish dangerous?

Silverfish may look creepy, but they are not dangerous to humans or pets. They do not carry or spread any known diseases; however, some people may have allergies that are triggered by the silverfish molting process. Silverfish molt and discard their skin, which creates dust that could affect those with dust allergies.

When it comes to your property, silverfish have destructive feeding habits that can damage wallpaper, books, and clothing. They can ruin food by infesting cereal boxes and other dry goods. 

In large numbers, silverfish can cause extensive damage that is costly to repair. A telltale sign of a silverfish infestation is the yellowing of wallpaper, bookbinders, or small tears in the pages of books or magazines.

Because silverfish move fast and are nocturnal, you may have an infestation that goes unnoticed for long periods of time, giving them ample opportunity to populate.

How do I get rid of silverfish?

Silverfish can be difficult to control because they reproduce quickly and can be hard to track down inside homes and buildings. If you're concerned about a silverfish infestation, contact Lindsey Pest Services for effective pest treatments!