What Causes a Silverfish Infestation?

Winter weather brings with it a break from overwhelmingly hot summer days and mosquitoes dive bombing your barbeques, it also unfortunately brings with it a slew of pests who make their way into your home in search of a warm, cozy home to continue to thrive in. One of those unwanted guests can include silverfish, a nuisance pest that can cause major damage to your belongings if left unattended. These tips from Greenix Pest Control will help you identify whether you’re dealing with an infestation and how you can get back to a pest-free dwelling in no time!

What is a Silverfish?

Silverfish are a type of small, primitive, wingless insects that get their name for their fish-like movements and silver color. While they’re not a threat to you or your family’s health, these creepy crawlers can be startling to spot and have the potential to damage your belongings if left untreated. 

What Attracts Silverfish To a Home? 

Silverfish are attracted to damp, warm places, so their presence in your home is often an indicator of nearby moisture. It’s likely that a silverfish you spot in your home made its way inside through an entry point caused by water damage such as a leaky pipe or crack near the foundation. 

Silverfish Infestation Signs

Spotting a Live Silverfish

One of the most common signs you’re dealing with a silverfish infestation is actually seeing the insects making their way around your home. They’re nocturnal and when awake, tend to stick to warm, damp areas so when you spot one in your home, there’s a good chance they’ve already started to cause damage. 

Silverfish Droppings

Another likely sign that silverfish are present in your home is droppings on furniture or in the back of cabinets. Silverfish droppings are unique and resemble small, black peppercorns. It’s easy to mistake them for dust or debris but if you’ve cleared the area and notice a return, you know you’re dealing with a pest problem. 

Molten Skins

Silverfish can live as long as eight years and in that time, shed their skin many times as they grow. The molted skin can be hard to spot as it’s small and transparent. If you spot something that looks like a piece of bug with your watchful eye, there’s a chance it can be a silverfish skin. While not easily noticeable, this is a sure sign of an infestation as it indicates silverfish have been in your space for a good amount of time. 

Damaged Items

Many pests that take over your home in the winter are in search of food and water and the silverfish is no exception. These pests are attracted to starchy food including cardboard boxes, wallpaper, linens, and clothing. Keep an eye out for holes chewed in these items. 

How to Prevent a Silverfish Infestation

The best way to keep silverfish from making their way indoors is patching up any possible entry points including leaks in and around faucets and pipes. Small in size, silverfish can squeeze through small cracks in window screens or doors that aren’t properly sealed. If you find pests in your home, be sure to check common areas they can squeeze through and patch up any holes with expanding foam or caulk. 

Because silverfish are attracted to starchy items including books, cardboard, and linen, be sure to check these items for their presence when you bring them in, especially if you’re bringing these belongings in from storage or a thrift store. 

Protect Your Home Against Infestations With Greenix

Ridding your home of silverfish can seem overwhelming, especially if you find yourself with an infestation that is beyond control. Thankfully, the knowledgeable service pros at Greenix Pest Control are experienced in identifying problem areas in and around your home and developing a plan to get silverfish packing and keep them from coming back. Connect with our team to schedule a free inspection and get back to pest free living today!