Silverfish can become a serious pest that invades our home and pantry which can surprise many people as water isn’t found in pantries like it is in bathrooms, kitchens and laundries. When silverfish are found in pantries, they are looking for food. Silverfish often unnoticed until you see a high population around your home. Stewart Termite & Pest Control is here to enlighten folks as to the damage and likely invasion of silverfish. We’ll also tell you how you can protect your home and goods against these insects.
What Does a Silverfish Look Like?
Silverfish can be found all over the world. They’re named after their appearance; they have a silver shelled back with a fish or teardrop like shape. The color of silverfish will vary from gray to brownish color. They can be anywhere from one half inch to an inch in length. They have two antennae, three legs, and three bristles that are at the end of their body like a tail. Silverfish are typically nocturnal which is why they can go unnoticed inside a household. They will often hang out in dark areas with high humidity such as basements, kitchens, bathrooms, and attic spaces. Since silverfish are rather flat they can squeeze through the tightest of spaces. They can climb up smooth surfaces such as glass or smooth metals as well.
Silverfish Damage to Clothes & Property
The diet of silverfish is the main issue when they invade a home. Their diet typically requires carbohydrates and protein. They often invade pantries and begin feeding on grains and dried meats. Silverfish will also feed on glues and paper such as books, magazines, wallpaper and even the paper covering on drywall. Silverfish can cause damage to walls, books and clothes as well as infect pantry goods. Silverfish can also go for a year without food so starving them out isn’t the best method to handling a silverfish invasion. Silverfish female can lay up to 100 eggs in her life time. Additionally, silverfish don’t even mate. The male silverfish deposits his sperm where the females just need to absorb it to fertilize her eggs. Because of their reproduction methods the silverfish population can explode, especially if they have access to food. A life span of a silverfish can range from two to eight years.
How to Prevent Silverfish Occasional Pest Invaders
Because of the size of silverfish, they can be difficult to keep out of your home. In most cases your local pest control professional will suggest sealing windows, doorways and filling in all the cracks on the outside and inside of your home. Where this is good advice, which should be used, it won’t always stop silverfish. You will want to keep your pantry goods sealed as well as acquiring the aid of a professional pest control company. By maintaining a routinely scheduled service where they will help you defend your home, you will have a better chance of preventing a silverfish infestation. We can treat the inside as well as the outside of your home to keep any wandering pests out of your residence.
Silverfish Pest Control
If you have a silverfish or any other kind of pest problem, Stewart Termite & Pest Control can help. We can help protect your home against any wandering invader. If you want your home free of pests and their costly damage, contact Stewart Termite & Pest Control today.