What are crickets?
Despite a name leading you to believe otherwise, silverfish are not a type of fish, but rather an insect. They received their name because silverfish have silvery scales covering their body as a fish does. Also, they move from place to place in a wriggling, fish-like manner.
You can identify silverfish by the three-pronged appendage extending from the abdomen. These moisture seeking insects, unfortunately, find their way into California homes and businesses while searching for a moist environment in which to live.
Are silverfish dangerous?
Silverfish feed on things high in starches, carbohydrates, and proteins. This diet means when silverfish are in your house,
they damage things like plaster, photos, wallpaper, books, carpeting, and clothing. While silverfish do cause damage to our personal belongings, they are not dangerous to people. They don’t bite, or sting and silverfish aren’t known to spread diseases that make people ill.
Why do I have a silverfish problem?
Our yard’s landscaped areas and garden areas make the perfect outdoor hideouts for silverfish. They like to hide out during the day in dark, damp places like under rocks, landscaping ties, mulch, and woodpiles.
Since silverfish live close to our homes and outbuildings, it is not difficult for them to move inside through cracks in the foundation or gaps under basement or sliding glass doors. These insects typically only move indoors when it becomes too hot and dry outside. Silverfish migrate inside, seeking moisture.
Where will I find silverfish?
Silverfish are nocturnal and therefore are most active at night. Most people spot these unique looking insects after turning on a bathroom or kitchen light at night and seeing them scurrying across a sink, tub, or the floor. Some of their other favorite indoor hiding spots include areas around drains, sump pumps, vents, cabinets and under sinks.
How do I get rid of silverfish?
Keep wriggling, moisture-seeking silverfish out of your home with the help of professional pest control experts. At Malang Pest Control, we are committed to protecting people and property from pests. Using a low-impact approach, botanical or organic products, and integrated pest management, we help California home and business owners maintain pest-free properties.
To rid your home or business of silverfish and other pests, contact us today, and learn more about our home pest control or commercial pest control offerings.
How can I prevent silverfish in the future?
Prevent silverfish in the future by partnering with Malang Pest Control, and putting into place the following prevention tips:
- Get rid of old stacks of cardboard boxes, magazines, or newspapers from your home.
- Inspect things like mail, packages, and potted plants for silverfish before bringing them into your house.
- Reduce moisture and humidity using dehumidifiers, vent fans, and air conditioners.
- Fix leaky pipes.
- Remove mulch, soil, or leaf debris from your foundation.
- Seal up openings discovered in your home’s exterior walls and foundation.
- Use plastic containers with locking lids instead of cardboard boxes to store things in basements and other storage areas.