What are Silverfish?

Silverfish are small bugs, usually grey or silver in color, and operate in fish-like movements, hence the name. They tend to be small, ranging from ½”-1”. Silverfish are found throughout all regions of the United States. You can find them typically hiding in humid or moist areas of the home, such as bathrooms, basements, or even attics. Silverfish hide themselves away from human activity and are most often seen at night. They can actually survive for weeks without food or water. They also tend to move very fast. The average lifespan of a Silverfish is surprisingly about three years.

Are they harmful?

No. Silverfish are generally not considered to be harmful to humans. They do not bite or spread diseases, and like many other bugs, are considered to be more of a nuisance pest. Much like sowbugs or pillbugs. However, they can be harmful to your home. Silverfish have been known to cause property damage by chewing small holes through clothing, paper goods, books, and upholsteries. Once the pest is introduced to an area where they have a substantial source of food they will often remain close to it. From there they can begin to breed and become more widespread. It is wise to treat them early on so you never face a bigger problem.

How can you treat them?

Personal home prevention can include the following:

• Thoroughly inspecting the infested area and removing any food source.
• A dehumidifier is also helpful in these situations because it removes the humidity from the air (which is one of the main reasons silverfish thrive).
• Maintain and repair leaky pipes and drains, and dispose of wet or moldy wood. These actions can do a lot to help keep these pests away.

If you suspect that you might have a silverfish infestation please call us at 757-349-8818 or fill out a service form here on our website!