Silverfish

SIlverfish

Silverfish are small wingless insects that get their name from their silvery light gray colored scales. Their diet mainly consists of carbohydrates such as sugar or starches. These common pests are known to hide in dark and humid places.

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How to Identify a Silverish:

Silverfish are small wingless insects with carrot-shaped bodies. They are approximately 1/2 inch in size. Another way to identify them is their two long antennae sticking from their head and three from their tail areas. Easily confused with earwigs, the best way to differentiate the two is the silverfish’s gray color compared to the brown of an earwig.

Where are Silverfish Most Present:

Outside under debris, rocks, leaf piles, insides birds’ nests and anywhere where conducive conditions are present. Inside they are often found in kitchens, bathrooms, attic spaces, crawl spaces, and areas where humidity is high.

Are Silverfish Dangerous?

Silverfish are no danger to humans or pets. Where silverfish do their most damage is when they consume cellulose which is present in paper products. This can be problematic to people who store sentimental items such as photo albums or important documents in attic spaces. These insects will chew up the paper and leave behind yellow staining from their fecal matter (see the picture on this page).

Silverfish are drawn to properties with high humidity, which in Florida can equate to almost everyone's attic and crawl space. These insects can also go long periods without eating, reproduce quickly and can live for several years.

Hiring a pest control company is one of the first things you should consider when dealing with silverfish. High humidity levels in the home can also lead to other pest problems, if silverfish are present there is possibility other insects are present as well.

Removing moisture from the air inside the property is one the best way to help prevent silverfish. This can be done with humidifiers or moisture absorbing bags. Another option is having your attic or crawl space treated with a long-lasting residual product. Reach out to us today for more information.

Call (561) 313-5565 to Speak With a Representative.