What you need to know about silverfish

Abell Pest Control

Silverfish are some of the world’s most common pests, capable of sneaking into homes, businesses, and storage spaces without being noticed. Their small size, quick movements, and remarkable survival skills make them formidable intruders. While they don’t pose a direct health risk, their ability to cause property damage can be a serious concern. Here’s what you need to know about these sneaky pests and how to keep them out.

Where Do Silverfish Hide?

Silverfish are incredibly adaptable and can be found almost anywhere. These insects are native to colder climates but have spread worldwide thanks to their impressive survival abilities. Common hiding spots include:

  • Attics and Basements: Dark, cluttered spaces offer the perfect hiding spots.
  • Pantries and Kitchens: They’re drawn to food crumbs, dry goods, and even pet food.
  • Storage Areas: Books, old photos, cardboard boxes, and even clothing can fall victim to their munching habits.

Since they avoid light, silverfish stay hidden during the day and move swiftly when disturbed, making them hard to spot. Worse, they can live up to four years, allowing infestations to persist long after they’ve gone unnoticed.

What Makes Silverfish So Resilient?

One of the reasons silverfish are such persistent pests is their ability to survive on an incredibly varied diet. While they prefer starchy materials like bread, cereal, and pasta, they can also feed on unexpected items such as:

  • Books and Paper: Including important documents and photos.
  • Glue and Adhesives: Found in wallpaper, cardboard, and even book bindings.
  • Clothing and Fabrics: Especially if they contain starch-based residues.

If you notice yellow stains on books, bite marks on papers, or chewed packaging, silverfish may be the culprits. Keeping a clean home can help, but even well-maintained spaces aren’t entirely immune due to their wide range of food sources.

Are Silverfish Dangerous?

The good news is that silverfish don’t carry diseases or pose a threat to humans. They don’t bite, sting, or transmit harmful bacteria. However, they can cause serious property damage by chewing through valuable items like keepsakes, clothing, and artwork.

Ignoring an infestation can result in the permanent loss of treasured belongings, so regular inspections of vulnerable areas like libraries, attics, and closets are essential.

How to Keep Silverfish Out

Silverfish are tricky to deal with, but a few simple steps can help reduce the chances of an infestation:

  1. Control Moisture Silverfish thrive in damp environments. Use a dehumidifier in basements, bathrooms, and other humid spaces to make your home less inviting.
  2. Keep Things Clean and Organized Regularly vacuum, wipe down surfaces, and reduce clutter. Store important documents, clothes, and keepsakes in airtight containers to protect them.
  3. Seal Cracks and Gaps Inspect walls, baseboards, and around windows and doors for any small openings where silverfish might sneak in. Use caulk or weatherproof sealant to close entry points.

Inspect walls, baseboards, and around windows and doors for any small openings where silverfish might sneak in. Use caulk or weatherproof sealant to close entry points.

If a silverfish infestation gets out of hand, professional pest control may be the best solution for ensuring these persistent pests are completely eradicated. With some preventative measures and regular maintenance, you can keep your home or business safe from these stealthy invaders.


About the author:

Abell Pest Control is a family owned Canadian company dedicated to providing effective, professional and courteous service in pest management.Started in 1924 with one office, Abell now employs several hundred people with branch offices across Canada and the United States.

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