Don’t mistake them for a real fish. The name has been attributed to the silvery white color of their body and a flattened structure and movements that resemble a fish. Scientifically called Lepisma Saccharina, the silverfish has several other names including carpet sharks, paramites and fishmoths. The new borns are whitish in color. But as they grow older, they attain a grayish hue and a metallic color. Silverfish are wingless creatures with three long cerci at the tip of their abdomens. They have two compound eyes, two antennae and mostly prefer damp areas like basements, garages, bathrooms, attics, closets etc. Silverfish can be found throughout North America, Australia, Japan, Europe, Asia and other parts of the Pacific and can live up to 2-8 years.

Protection from Silverfish

• Make sure there is no accumulation of moisture. So in order to prevent moisture build-up, seal windows, doors and other areas that could provide a habitat for the silverfish. But if it still continues to be a problem use dehumidifiers and fans.
  
  
• Don’t keep starched clothes in the cupboard because silverfish can feed on them.
  
  
• Avoid stacking boxes on the floor. Instead keep them in a covered place or put them up in an elevated place out of the reach of these insects.
  
  
• Repair leaky pipes, keep the house clean and also remember to ventilate the room properly.
  
  
• Fumigation may also help in keeping the insects at bay. It is a process in which the central heating is put on after closing the doors and windows of a particular room which is believed to be the hunting ground of silverfish. Once the heating is increased to 50 degree centigrade, the silverfish will fall prey to it as they cannot tolerate excessive heat.
  
  
• Close all cracks and crevices because they serve as dwellings for these insects.
  
  
• But if you feel there is a silverfish infestation call us immediately for in order to eradicate the insect in large numbers you would require the services of professional experts. The insects cannot be killed just like that. In this particular case we need chemical insecticides which can be extremely harmful to humans as well. So to be able to use the pesticides well, one must be adequately trained in order to avoid any damage.

Call us if you need our assistance!

Threats from Silverfish

There is no direct threat to humans from silverfish but they can be damaging to property. Although silverfish cannot fly, they can climb up vertical walls, stay put behind kitchen cupboards and in other parts of the house. Moreover, they are also believed to be potent carriers of germs.

Silverfish mostly attack books, tapestries, leatherware, clothing, carpet, sugar, photos, coffee, dandruff, cotton, silk, linen etc. This is because they mostly feed on matters that contain polysaccharides like starches and dextrin which can be found in most of the above items. Therefore, in spite of being non-deadly, it is not good to have silverfish around because of their destructive tendencies.

Prevention from Silverfish

There are some easy and handy ways to check the infestation of silverfish at home. So you should of course give them a try. However, if these prevention tips still fail to contain the silverfish population, remember to contact us as we are just a phone call away.

• Caulk all the holes and crevices in and around your homes as much as possible because they can provide wonderful breeding grounds for these insects. Moreover, if there are leaking pipes that need immediate attention, repair them as quickly as possible.
• Using a dehumidifier can be of immense help for it will helps stabilize the temperature and prevent moisture from building up. Silverfish are extremely fond of damp and humid areas. So eliminating these conditions from your home, can help eradicate the insects.
• Never leave any cardboard or paper out in the open. Instead keep them locked up inside plastic bags or boxes. Also if you notice any wallpaper peeling off the edges, either paste it back or replace it with a new one.
• Keep the house clean especially around the nooks and corners as they provide excellent habitats for these insects. Also sprinkle anti-silverfish powder behind refrigerators, at the back of ovens, behind and underneath furniture etc.
• Keep food items locked in air tight containers because silverfish can get very easily attracted to starch and sugar.