Silverfish

What are silverfish?

Silverfish are unique insects and common invaders of our Southwest Florida homes. Unlike what their name suggests, they are not fish and are not aquatic, although they do have high moisture needs.

We identify these insects by their tear-drop-shaped bodies, three bristle-like appendages that extend from the hind end, and antennae as long as their bodies.

The adult's brown body grows to about 3/4 of an inch and has silvery-metallic scales covering it. Silverfish lack wings but move with ease using a wriggling, fish-like motion. Young silverfish (nymphs) look like adults but are smaller in size.

Do silverfish bite?

Silverfish aren’t known for their cuddly appearance, but the good news is, they do not bite. 

Are silverfish dangerous?

Silverfish aren't known for their cuddly appearance, but the good news is that they do not bite. Silverfish don't carry diseases and do not pose a threat to people or pets. 

Though not dangerous, they are problematic and annoying when they break into our homes. Not only is it unpleasant to be startled by these unsightly-looking pests, but they are destructive and can cause damage to fabrics and furniture as well as other personal items stored inside.

Silverfish inside our homes will contaminate pantry items as they feed on dry goods high in starch. They also cause damage to things like books, photos, linens, storage boxes, upholstery, carpets, and wallpaper. 

Because these pests can consume common building and construction materials, they thrive in man-made structures and are common household pests.

Why do I have a silverfish problem?

What attracts silverfish is moisture; if your property has the moisture sources they are looking for, they will take advantage. The damp soil in our yards under mulch, rocks, landscaping ties, and containers like trash cans and flower pots provides the perfect environment to thrive. 

When living near our homes, it is easy for them to move inside when looking for shelter to escape harsh weather conditions. Once inside, if they find an environment that mimics the outside and offers access to reliable food sources, they will make themselves right at home. 

Where will I find silverfish?

Inside Florida homes, we usually find silverfish in crawl spaces, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and cabinets under sinks. They also make themselves at home behind large pieces of furniture, cabinets, and shelves. Since these insects are nocturnal and hide in dark areas of our homes, it can take some time to discover a silverfish infestation. Homeowners often become aware of a problem with these pests after seeing one darting across the floor or counter or finding small holes in cardboard boxes, wallpaper, paper, or linens. 

How do I get rid of silverfish?

The best way to avoid problems with silverfish is to partner with a pest control professional and implement regular pest control services. Preventing the silverfish's ability to enter your home easily is the best defense against these common household invaders. 

Keller's Pest Control offers silverfish pest control services you can trust. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and treatment options. Our team has the knowledge, skills, and tools to rid your property of these nuisance pests. Call today to learn more about our quality services that will get rid of silverfish from your Florida home!

How can I prevent silverfish in the future?

To help you avoid sharing your Southwest Florida home with silverfish, we have made a list of simple prevention tips.

• Ensure areas of your home that tend to be humid, like kitchens, bathrooms, and crawl spaces, have good ventilation.

• Seal any cracks that develop in your foundation that can offer an entrance into your home.

• Eliminate gaps under doors by installing door sweeps.

• Remove clutter from closets and other storage spaces.

• Use plastic containers with locking lids instead of cardboard to store items within your home. Store the containers up off the ground.

For year-round pest control in Bradenton and throughout Southwest Florida, give our professionals at Keller's Pest Control a call today!