A Complete Guide To Silverfish Identification And Control In Virginia Homes

When it comes to occasional invaders in Virginia, silverfish are perhaps some of the most disliked. Their strange, fish-like movements could make it difficult to feel comfortable in your own home, and their ability to inflict damage to household goods may be frustrating, stressful, and overwhelming.

Good news: The first step in defending your home from silverfish is understanding how to identify them. That's why Albemarle Termite & Pest Control wrote this guide outlining the signs and symptoms of silverfish infestations. 

After highlighting the ideal habitat conditions of silverfish, we also explain what it takes to deter them from your attic, bathroom, or basement. Need to get rid of silverfish fast? We explore how Albemarle Termite & Pest Control performs silverfish pest control in Virginia.

Now, let's dive into the first step of silverfish identification, starting with the local species you should know.

Silverfish Species In Virginia: Know Your Intruders

There are five different types of silverfish in Virginia: the bristletail, the jumping bristletail, the common, the gray, and the four-lined. Although each of these species comes with their own unique features, you can typically expect the same basic characteristics:

• A silver-colored exoskeleton

• An oblong-shaped body

• Six tapering legs

• Two long antennae

• Three 'spikes' extending from their abdomens

Silverfish are generally nocturnal creatures, which means you're unlikely to spot them running around during the day. If you do catch them scurrying around in your home, however, immediately contact Albemarle Termite & Pest Control for a full inspection, estimate, and treatment.

Virginia's Climate And Silverfish Habits: Creating Ideal Conditions

Silverfish may be uncommon invaders in Virginia, but the reasons why they infest are anything but unusual. These pests need three simple elements to survive: food, water, and shelter.

For food, silverfish feast on a wide variety of substances, including fibers, fabrics, grains, and adhesives. It's not uncommon to spot them chewing through a book or taking bites out of t-shirts, dog food, or cotton bedsheets.

Silverfish also require a large amount of moisture – they cannot survive without a 75% relative humidity rating. Any damp room with temperatures between 71 degrees and 90 degrees can hatch hundreds of baby silverfish within weeks.

Although silverfish don't need to live inside your home, they do require shelter to stay safe from the elements. Outside, this shelter may include tree bark, leaves, or rocks. Inside, it could be cracks and crevices around your home.

Don't yet have a silverfish infestation? Let's look at some prevention steps outlined below.

Tips To Deter Silverfish On Your Own In Virginia

To ensure silverfish don't get inside your home, you can rely on the following tips and tricks:

• Reduce the amount of humidity in your home with the help of a dehumidifier.

• Lock up potential food sources, including dog food, grains, cereals, and more, in airtight containers.

• Seal up cracks and gaps around your home with waterproof caulking.

If silverfish get inside your home despite employing these steps, you can get in touch with Albemarle Termite & Pest Control for fast and effective silverfish control.

Silverfish Control On Your Terms: Call The Pros!

Albemarle Termite & Pest Control offers silverfish control with more than 100 years of combined experience. Whether you're facing limited activity or swarmed with a major infestation, you can trust our team of professionals to remove these pests with ease.

First, we inspect your home for silverfish hot spots. Then, we apply treatments depending on your situation. Since we offer competitive pricing and financing opportunities, you never have to wait to get the results you need today.

For more information about Virginia silverfish removal, contact Albemarle Termite & Pest Control to speak to a silverfish expert near you.