The common silverfish (Lepisma saccharina ) is a small, carrot-shaped insect that grows to about ½ to ¾ of an inch long. They have flattened bodies covered with light gray, dark gray, or silver scales. Silverfish have two antennae in the front and three tail-like projections in the back. Silverfish do not harm humans but are unsightly. They feed on carbohydrates and protein, including dried beef, cereals, flour, pasta, pet food, paper, fabric, glazed paper, wallpaper paste, and book bindings. Silverfish are nocturnal, so you are more likely to see shed skins, scales, damaged books and paper, and feces than you are the adult silverfish. Cool, damp areas of the home, such as the basement, bathroom, and bookshelves, are places silverfish thrive. New homes often have a flood of silverfish that have been displaced by the building of the new home.
Silverfish Life Cycle
Adult silverfish lay eggs in clutches of an average of 50 eggs, but the clutch can vary from a single egg to 200 eggs. The eggs hatch in 19-32 days. The nymphs look like the adult silverfish but are initially white and smaller, without scales. They turn darker and develop scales 14 days after their fourth molt. Silverfish molt throughout their life. Silverfish live about 3 years. In warm temperatures, a silverfish can go from being an egg to an adult in as little as 60 days.
Preventing Silverfish
Silverfish enter your Raleigh home, looking for moist spots and food. Repair leaks that provide moisture and dry out dank places in the house. Use dehumidifiers or fans to dry the air and make sure exhaust fans are working properly in the bathroom. In addition, follow these tips.
- Seal all cracks and crevasses in the foundation or outside walls.
- Caulk around the areas where pipes, electrical wires, and cables enter the house.
- Put fabric and valuable documents in sealed plastic containers.
- Place dried food in sealed metal or plastic containers.
- Remove clutter such as old magazines or newspapers to eliminate food and hiding places.
- Valuable books should be stored in climate-controlled storage.
- Mothballs may help keep silverfish out of plastic boxes. Before using them, read the label to make sure they are safe to use in plastic containers and will not damage any plastic items in the boxes. Open any container with mothballs inside in a well-ventilated area because the fumes are harmful to health.
Getting Rid Of Silverfish
Silverfish are hard to get rid of once you have them. Their flat bodies let them hide deep in cracks in furniture, walls, and the floor where bug bombs can’t reach. The best way to get rid of them is to get professional help. Contact Innovative Pest Solutions and we will get rid of them for you.
When you call us, we will send our highly trained technicians out to do a free inspection of your house inside and out. We then develop a plan to eliminate the silverfish and any other pests you may have. Our initial treatment includes the interior and exterior of your home. We are pet owners and provide safe, effective treatment that won’t hurt you, your family, or your pets.
Once we eliminate the silverfish and other pests in your home, we come out at least three times a year to treat the exterior of the home to prevent any new pests from entering your home. If you do see any interior pests, we will re-treat the inside and outside at no additional charge. Call Innovative Pest Solutions at (919) 897-7131 today and get rid of your silverfish.
