1042 Reviews
How much do you know about silverfish? Do you know that a silverfish is an insect that is shiny like a fish, and that it wiggles in a fish-like fashion when it moves? Do you know that a silverfish only grows to be about ¾ of an inch long but it can be as small as 1/16 of an inch when it first hatches? Do you know that a silverfish hatches as a nymph and is never a grub, maggot, or caterpillar, like other insect pests? Do you know that, on average, silverfish lay about 50 eggs? That's 50 little nymphs that can hatch in your home and suddenly appear out of nowhere. When you see silverfish indoors, it can be more than a little bit confusing as to what is actually going on. Today, we hope to shed some light on how and why silverfish get into Hendersonville homes.
How Silverfish Get In
The first thing you should know is that silverfish don't eat wood like termites or tunnel through wood like carpenter ants. Their scraping mouthparts can wear away at paper, cardboard, or fabrics, but are no match for a 2x4 in your wall. These insects don't tunnel into your home; they get in through openings that already exist. There is, however, a link between silverfish and wood-damaging pests like termites and carpenter ants. Silverfish are attracted to moist conditions and wood rot. When they come close to your home, they're drawn to locations that have been targeted by wood-damaging pests. When you find silverfish in your Hendersonville home, it is possible that you have a greater problem than silverfish. It's also possible that the silverfish you're seeing were able to get past your weatherstripping, door sweeps, or slip through a crack.
Why Silverfish Get In
Before silverfish get in, they find a reason to be near your home. This might be leaf litter, woodpiles, stacked objects, dense vegetation, moisture issues, or some other attractant.
As silverfish explore your exterior, they're attracted to tight spaces, particularly spaces that are moist. If you have wood rot or an issue with dampness or humidity, this can create the conditions for a silverfish infestation.
Once inside your home, silverfish will find their way into humid spaces. They prefer temperatures between 71° and 90°F with a relative humidity above 75 percent. You're likely to find them in your bathroom, laundry room, basement, and boiler room.
If conditions inside your home are dry, silverfish may die or be driven back outside. One of the first preventative steps you can take is to install dehumidifiers or ventilation. After you do this, inspect your exterior and seal any entry points you find. These two control tips, along with routine yard maintenance, can stop silverfish from getting into your home. Along with silverfish control, be sure to protect your things and guard your pantry food from infestation. Put storage items in sealed plastic totes and put your pantry items in sealed containers.
Professional Silverfish Control
Remember that, when it comes to pests, you're not alone. The service team here at All-American Pest Control is available to guide you in addressing silverfish problems and any other pest control concerns you may have. It is easy to get a resolution to your pest issues, just hop over to our contact page and tell us a little bit about what you're dealing with. You can also give us a call. Silverfish are frustrating and somewhat destructive insects. Get effective control for these moisture-loving pests by reaching out to us today.