Silverfish Identification & Prevention

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Frequently Asked Questions About Silverfish

a silverfish in a home

What are silverfish?

A unique-looking insect that is part of the order Zygentoma, silverfish are nuisance pests found living throughout the United States in moist, humid areas. They received their name from the unique, wriggling manner in which they moved.

The silverfish’s carrot-shaped body is brown and covered in silvery, metallic scales. These nuisance pests have a three “pronged” appendage that extends off their hind end. Silverfish are wingless and have antennae that are as long as their body.

Silverfish are unique in the fact that they can survive for weeks without food or water as long as they are living in a high-humidity environment.

Are silverfish dangerous?

Silverfish pose no direct danger to people but have the potential to be harmful to our personal property. When living inside of our homes, they will chew on and damage things like books, papers, pictures, wallpaper, fabrics, and clothing. Inside our homes, silverfish will also feed on and contaminate dry goods in our kitchens and pantries, like flour, cereal, pasta, and other starchy foods.

Why do I have a silverfish problem?

Silverfish are moisture-seeking pests. Any excess moisture located inside or outside of your home will attract them. They live and gather under areas that trap moisture, like leaf piles, woodpiles, and mulch.

If the weather outside becomes too hot or dry, silverfish will move indoors, seeking a more suitable environment. These pests may also unknowingly be introduced into our homes by us inside of potted plants, boxes, newspapers, and other items that were once outside. 

Where will I find silverfish?

Silverfish require very high humidity levels to survive. Outside, they nest in the damp soil under mulch, landscape ties, leaf litter, compost piles, trash cans, and fallen trees.

Inside, silverfish seek refuge in humid areas that are similar to their outdoor environments, such as basements, crawl spaces, laundry rooms, and areas under sinks.

How do I get rid of silverfish?

Acquiring help from a professional home pest control expert is the best way to eliminate silverfish and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations.

For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

How can I prevent silverfish in the future?

To help protect your North Carolina property from silverfish, consider putting into place the following prevention measures.

  • Remove fallen trees, leaf piles, and other debris from your property.
  • Use caulking or wood filler to seal spaces in your home’s exterior walls.
  • Reduce excess moisture in or around your home by maintaining gutters, repairing leaky faucets and pipes, and using dehumidifiers.
  • Cut grass and other vegetation back away from your foundation.
  • Leave a barrier between any soil or mulch and the foundation.
  • Inspect items like potted plants and outdoor furniture for silverfish before bringing them inside.

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