Have you found holes or small tears in wallpaper, clothing, or boxes in your home? You might have a silverfish problem. You’re probably wondering several things. What are silverfish? Why do I have silverfish in my home? Silverfish are an incredibly common pest that residents in Modesto, CA have to contend with year-round.

Silverfish are long thin insects most often found in damp and dark places. That usually means in kitchens, bathrooms, and sheds. While they thrive in any climate, they are attracted to humidity. Spaces that are not frequently used such as attics, crawl spaces, sheds, and garages are also common silverfish breeding grounds.

You can confirm they’re the cause of the destruction when you find small feces, yellowish stains, or white cast skins. Sometimes you may even spot them in damp places like the sink or the bathtub. Wet clothing or paper attracts silverfish, but they can continue to destroy almost anything.

What attracts silverfish to my home?

Silverfish are attracted to warm and moist spaces. They can make their way into the home through cracks in the foundation or other small tears in screens or under doors.

Other times they are brought into the home unknowingly. If you are bringing in boxes from a storage shed, or other items from an infested location, they can spread in your home.

Like most other pests, food that is left out can attract them. Making sure that all food is packaged and put away is always one of the best ways to make sure you are not dealing with an insect infestation. Silverfish also feed off of things that humans don’t eat such as book binding glue and paper. Items that are kept in storage around your home can cause a feeding frenzy when silverfish attack.

Are silverfish dangerous?

Silverfish are not harmful to humans, though they can cause mild allergies at times. However, they will cause significant damage if left to infest for an extended period of time. Silverfish are attracted to carbohydrates. This pest will quickly start chowing down on your books, files, boxes, and clothing. Without proper treatment, they can make it into food containers and begin attracting other insects.

These bugs breed rapidly and are nocturnal, so what starts as a small infestation can quickly become a much bigger problem. One of the most inconvenient things about silverfish is that you can have an infestation that’s hidden out of sight. Silverfish could be in your home right now without your knowledge.

How can I prevent a silverfish infestation?

Now that we’ve answered: what are silverfish? and why do I have them in my home? Let’s talk about how to get rid of them.

Controlling humidity is one of the best ways to create an environment less desirable for silverfish. You can open vents in crawl spaces and make sure to caulk your baseboards in damp or dark areas. Try using a dehumidifier, especially in places like attics and bathrooms.

If you already have a more significant silverfish problem in your home, you can set traps. Sticky traps laid near walls or openings where you think silverfish are entering will capture the pests. Unfortunately, this is more of a way to confirm a silverfish infestation rather than eliminating their eggs or the entire population. Another common solution is sprinkling boric acid in areas where you can find silverfish. The best way to deal with eggs is to vacuum the crevices of your space or spray a boric acid mixture into them.

While controlling the environment is a reliable prevention method, it does little to ensure that there are no more eggs or hidden insects in your home. If you are still seeing silverfish or traces of them, it’s time to hire pest control professionals to make sure the problem is fully taken care of.

How can AAI Pest Control get rid of silverfish in my home?

These pests will take almost no time in breeding and causing more destruction. If you are dealing with a silverfish infestation, and want the guarantee that they’re out of your home, the best solution is always to bring in an exterminator. If these at-home solutions aren’t eliminating the problem, it’s time to call in the professionals from AAI Pest Control. Call us or fill out the contact form on this page to get started!