SILVERFISH
What are silverfish?
Silverfish have a very descriptive name. These insects are not aquatic like fish but do move in a fish-like wriggling manner and their tear-dropped-shaped bodies are covered in metallic scales. Other physical features include having two long antennae and three bristle-like structures that extend from their hind end. Though they are not aquatic, silverfish do have high moisture needs and prefer to live in areas that have a lot of excess moisture.
Are silverfish dangerous?
Silverfish have an appearance that makes them seem much more dangerous than they are. Silverfish are nuisance pests that while annoying to deal with and difficult to eliminate don’t cause any significant problems. They aren’t known to spread disease and they don’t damage the structures of buildings.
Problems that silverfish do cause and why keeping them out of your home is important is they contaminate food stored in pantry areas and chew on and damage things in your home like books, wallpaper, stored clothes, and rugs.
Why do I have a silverfish problem?
Like most pests in Arizona, our warm weather allows these pests to be active throughout the entire year. Silverfish often become a problem on our properties after being attracted by excess moisture in the soil that surrounds our homes. Things like leaky pipes, overwatered gardens, and poor drainage can provide silverfish with the moisture they seek.
It is common for these pests to migrate into our homes when it becomes too hot or dry outside for them to live comfortably. Our homes often provide them with a cool, damp place to hang out. Silverfish are also regularly introduced into our homes inside things like secondhand linens or clothing, potted plants, or boxes that were stored outside.
Where will I find silverfish?
Silverfish gravitate to areas of our homes that are damp and dark. They like to gather around drains, vents, and under sinks in the following areas:
- Laundry rooms
- Utility rooms
- Crawl spaces
- Bathrooms
- Basements
Having silverfish in your home is often indicative of an underlying moisture problem. If you are finding silverfish in your home, it’s likely that will eventually find other moisture-seeking pests as well.
How do I get rid of silverfish?
Locally owned and family-operated, Zona Pest Solutions is the best choice to get rid of silverfish from your home or business. We offer fast response times and peace of mind knowing that your pest problems will be solved, and they won’t return. Our experienced professionals provide top-quality pest control services using the latest and most effective products to eliminate silverfish from properties. Discover why your neighbors choose Zona Pest Solutions for their pest control needs. Give us a call today!
How can I prevent silverfish in the future?
We want to offer some tips to help you keep silverfish out of your Arizona home or business. You can take following steps to prevent problems with unwanted silverfish on your property.
- Remove access to water sources. Fix leaky pipes and drains that will provide the moisture these pests want.
- Keep silverfish out of your home by sealing cracks in the foundation, installing door sweeps, and sealing spaces around utilities like wires or pipes entering your house.
- Store bedding, linens, or other fabrics in plastic, pest-proof containers with locking lids, not cardboard boxes.
- Inspect items that have been outside for silverfish before bringing them into your home.