Date Posted: December 21, 2022
Category: Silverfish
Although their name implies it, silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are not aquatic creatures but rather live on land. The name is such because of their “scaly” metallic appearance and rather “fish-like” movements. Silverfish are wingless with a body that often ranges from ½ of an inch to one inch, antennae, and “tail-like” bristles. Silverfish are often confused with firebrats, which appear and act very similarly but appear in darker colors.
Silverfish in South Portland ordinarily reside in natural outdoor settings; however, as the cooler months of the year approach, these pests will capitalize on opportunities to enter a home and overwinter amid warmer conditions. Silverfish do not hibernate but will rest in a state known as diapause.
In outdoor environments, silverfish consume various types of decomposing vegetation. Once indoors, silverfish will eat sources of protein or carbohydrates such as meats, oats, flour, paper products, and glue.
Where do silverfish bugs come from around the area? Silverfish commonly live beneath debris or objects such as rocks, piles of leaves, or fallen trees. Unlike many other types of insects, silverfish develop through only three distinct phases. Beginning as an egg, silverfish hatch several weeks later as small nymphs that appear in a lighter color before reaching adulthood. Females can generate dozens of eggs over their lifetime, which generally spans several years.
Are you struggling with a silverfish invasion? A licensed South Portland pest control professional receives formal training regarding many of the current silverfish removal and treatment options. Also, experienced professionals will explain many of the different silverfish prevention methods known for their effectiveness in limiting intrusions involving these undesirable pests.
How To Tell If You Have A Silverfish Problem In Your Home
Signs of silverfish activity might include holes in softer materials and noticing shed skin (scales) and feces. In most cases, silverfish will move into parts of a home with ample warmth and moisture, including laundry rooms, basements, crawlspaces, or bathrooms. Silverfish are primarily nocturnal creatures that are less likely to appear during the day.
How do silverfish get in your house? Silverfish that live in yard areas may emerge and navigate their way through gaps or cracks around a home’s foundation, particularly during periods of extreme weather. Silverfish might enter homes through gaps along the base of exterior doors or be unknowingly brought inside by homeowners, such as within firewood.
The Damage Silverfish Can Do In Your Home
Classified mainly among the many nuisance pests, silverfish will not bite, sting, or spread diseases. Silverfish will create minor property damage to potentially important paper documents, collectibles, and clothing composed of linen or silk. This alone makes looking into silverfish extermination a good idea.
Factors That Attract Silverfish Into Your Home
Individuals looking for answers regarding silverfish prevention should first consider the environmental conditions that silverfish prefer. What are silverfish attracted to in your home?
-
Silverfish require significant humidity; therefore, homes with wet basements or crawlspaces might attract these pests.
-
Homes appeal to silverfish during the winter, as they prefer temperatures in the 70 to 90-degree range.
-
Silverfish might seek sources of food indoors, such as meats or starchy foods.
Property owners that encounter a silverfish indoors often find that they move surprisingly fast on their feet. Some of the most effective preventative measures involve filling or sealing exterior points of entry and performing proper maintenance, such as cleaning gutters or repairing leaky spigots or hoses.
The Trick To Getting Rid Of Silverfish In Your Home
Big Blue Bug Solutions remains a leading provider of pest control services in the South Portland area. Our professionals maintain the knowledge and tools needed for treating termites, mosquitoes, bed bugs, and many types of troublesome wildlife that might create health-related concerns or harm property. Contact our team today for assistance.
