Silverfish
About
What are silverfish?
These teardrop-shaped insects are about ¾ of an inch long. Their bodies are covered in metallic scales; they have long antennae and three long bristle-tails.
Silverfish are also nocturnal and wingless, so you may catch them running about at night.
Are silverfish dangerous?
Silverfish don't bite or carry diseases, but they can affect allergies. The most common problem with these pests is the damage they cause. They consume starches and sugars and in no way are picky eaters. Silverfish will eat everything from glue to paper, soap, dandruff, linen, coffee, cotton, and much more.
If you see silverfish in your home, this may also indicate a moisture issue, which can lead to mold and other pest problems.
Why do I have a silverfish problem?
Silverfish are common home-invading pests in Florida because of our humid climate that provides the moisture they need. The temperature is another reason you might have a silverfish problem in your Tampa, FL home. While the temperatures in our area don't change as drastically as they do in other parts of the country, the change is enough to make pests like silverfish look for warm places to hide.
While you may not be intentionally leaving food out, silverfish have a broad appetite; a residential property can be a buffet to them. Silverfish can quickly get in through gaps around doors, cracks in the foundation, and damaged screens.
Where will I find silverfish?
These creepy-looking pests like to have a warm, moist place to live. They can usually be found under rocks, leaf piles, flower pots, and garbage cans outside. When they make their way inside, they tend to gravitate toward basements, bathrooms, storage areas, under sinks, and other similar areas.
How do I get rid of silverfish?
Like any other unwanted pest you encounter in your home, the best way to get rid of silverfish is with professional preventative pest control services. At Haskell Termite & Pest Control, we offer the services and treatments you need to remove silverfish and keep them away.
You can receive a free estimate on the pest control services in the Tampa Bay area you need by contacting us at Haskell Termite & Pest Control. We fully stand by our work and ensure that our customers are satisfied. Call today to get started!
How can I prevent silverfish in the future?
There are several things you can do around your Florida property to reduce the likelihood of a silverfish infestation:
- Repair damaged screens and fill in any potential entry points, including gaps around doors and windows, which you can fix with weatherstripping.
- Use plastic storage bins rather than cardboard to keep pests out of items you don't use frequently. In the same sense, you should also regularly declutter your home and storage areas.
- Clean up any food debris and use food storage containers with airtight seals.
- Check that your home has proper ventilation.
- Invest in a good dehumidifier; this is especially useful for our Florida summers.
- Repair any leaks and remove water-damaged wood.
With these prevention tips and our residential pest control services, you can have a pest-free home. Get started today with Haskell Termite & Pest Control!