Exterminator for Silverfish

Silverfish are one of the most common household pests and are often difficult to eliminate. Silverfish prefer dark, moist places such as bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms. However, don’t be alarmed, as this is one pest that can be successfully eliminated with the help of an exterminator.

What Are Silverfish?

Silverfish are a type of insect that can be very difficult to control. They are small, wingless insects with two long antennae and three long tails. Silverfish get their name for their silvery color and fish-like shape. They feed on sugars and starches, which attracts them to paper products and fabrics.

In addition, silverfish are also attracted to:

• Moist areas in the home, such as bathrooms and basements
• Starchy foods like cereal, flour, and oats
• Books and other paper products
• Fabric furniture and clothing

Are Silverfish Dangerous?

Fortunately, silverfish are not known to carry diseases and are generally harmless. While their appearance may be creepy, they are not known to bite humans or cause any damage to the home. In addition, if you have pets, you need not worry, as silverfish are not known to harm them either.

However, silverfish can be very destructive because they eat many of the materials found in homes, such as paper, fabrics, and adhesives. They can also damage stored items, furnishings, carpets, wallpaper, and books.

In addition, silverfish can also mean you’re attracting other pests that love moisture. This includes pests like roaches, earwigs, cockroaches, and ants. Overall, it’s never a good idea to ignore the presence of silverfish in your home.

Signs of a Silverfish Infestation

There are various signs to look out for if you suspect you have a silverfish infestation. These include:

• Seeing the insects scurry around your floors and walls, particularly near sources of moisture.
• Finding silvery scales or molted skins in dark, moist places like under sinks and behind appliances.
• Seeing holes chewed through paper products, fabrics, and books.
• Finding stains on fabric due to their excrement
• Eggs and silverfish larvae, which look like small, white ovals 1 mm in length

All of these signal that it might be time to call an exterminator and do some clean-up around your home to get rid of silverfish.

Where Do Silverfish Hide?

Although silverfish are attracted to moist areas, this doesn’t mean you’ll see them openly in your home’s sink or bathtubs. Silverfish generally hide during the day and come out to feed at night when it is dark and quiet. 

They usually hide in areas that are damp and dark, such as:

• Beneath sinks and behind appliances
• Underneath furniture and carpets
• Between walls or in cracks in the floor
• In bookshelves or other paper products
• Underneath sinks, near drain pipes
• Inside food containers with starch products

Unfortunately, it is only when an infestation is in full swing that you can see the silverfish. So it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of infestation and call a professional exterminator immediately or begin to get rid of them using home remedies.

How to Get Rid of Silverfish at Home

The best way to get rid of silverfish is to contact a professional exterminator. An exterminator can assess the severity of your infestation and recommend the most effective treatment plan. 

However, you can also do some things at home to help eliminate an infestation.

Some proven ways to get rid of silverfish at home include:

• Advion Bait: Studies have shown that Advion bait is much more effective than other substances, such as boric acid, to get rid of silverfish, as the silverfish reacted more negatively to this substance. You can find Advion at most home improvement stores or online.
• Clean and Vacuum: Regularly cleaning your floors, carpets, furniture, and other surfaces can help reduce the number of silverfish in your home. Vacuum often to remove eggs and larvae, and be sure to wipe down any surfaces that could be harboring silverfish.
• Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around areas where silverfish are known to hide can be effective in eliminating them. Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that absorbs moisture and works to dehydrate the insects, causing them to either die or move away from the area.
• Cedar: Cedar also contains a naturally repellant odor that is unpleasant to silverfish and can keep them away from certain areas. Cedar essential oil or cedar chips can be used to create natural repellents.

Using any combination of these methods, you can help rid your home of silverfish and keep them away for good. However, if the infestation is severe, it’s a good idea to contact a professional exterminator for assistance.

When to Call an Exterminator for Silverfish

While it might be normal to see one silverfish scurrying across the floor on its own or in a group of two or three, if you begin to notice larger numbers of silverfish, you likely have an infestation. If this is the case, it’s best to contact a professional exterminator as soon as possible to contain the infestation and prevent further damage to your home. 

An exterminator will have access to more advanced methods and can identify areas where silverfish may be hiding. They can also provide ongoing advice and treatments for silverfish infestations to ensure your home remains free of pests in the future.

Signs you might need to call an exterminator to include:

• Not seeing a single silverfish for weeks, but suddenly noticing large numbers of them
• Seeing silverfish in dark corners or hiding places
• Finding signs of damage caused by silverfish, such as chewed fabrics or paper
• Trying but not being able to get rid of silverfish through home remedies

If any of these signs apply to your situation, it’s important not to delay in calling an exterminator.

How do Exterminators Get Rid of Silverfish?

There are certain chemicals exterminators use that are powerful enough to kill silverfish. These include:

• Bifenthrin
• Cyfluthrin
• Tetramethrin
• Phenothrin

Of course, your exterminator will first inspect your home to identify the silverfish locations and determine the best course of action. Then, they will use these chemicals to eliminate the infestation. 

They may also use other methods, such as traps or vacuum cleaners, to capture and remove silverfish from your home. Using the right combination of treatments, your exterminator can help ensure that your home is free from silverfish.

Preventing Future Silverfish Infestations

While silverfish are difficult to keep out of your home entirely, there are certain preventive measures you can take to reduce the chances of infestation. These include:

• Maintaining a clean and dry environment, as silverfish prefer moist areas.
• Repairing any cracks or gaps in walls and floors, which can provide easy access for silverfish.
• Storing clothes and paper items in sealed containers.
• Regularly vacuuming and dusting.

In addition, it’s important to inspect any new purchases, such as books, cardboard, or furniture, before introducing them into your home. Silverfish may be hiding inside these items and quickly spread to other parts of the house if left unchecked.

By taking these preventive steps, you can help to ensure that your home remains free of silverfish and other pests. If you find yourself with a silverfish infestation, don’t hesitate to contact an exterminator for assistance. You can keep these pesky pests away from your home for good with the right treatments and preventive measures.