Don’t ignore the signs that something might be (silver) fishy
Stains, droppings, and multiple sightings are common signs of a silverfish infestation.
While silverfish aren’t harmful to humans, they can damage your clothing and other household items.
It’s best to hire a professional exterminator if you spot warning signs of a severe or recurring silverfish infestation.
When unwanted pests take over your home, it can disturb your peace and even lead to costly issues. Knowing the signs of a silverfish infestation is the first step to reclaiming your domestic bliss. Read on for five signs that silverfish may have infested your home, and when to hire a professional exterminator.
Are a slew of silverfish lurking in your home? Here are five telltale signs of a silverfish infestation.
After feeding on items in your home, silverfish often leave behind droppings. The presence of feces indicates that you more than likely have an infestation. Look out for tiny, black, round droppings that resemble peppercorns. Large amounts can alert you to heavily infested areas in your home.
Silverfish are notorious for the yellow stains they leave on clothing and other items. You may also notice molted silverfish skin, which silverfish shed as they grow. Silverfish scales are small and metallic in color.
Silverfish are nocturnal and try their best to avoid humans. So, even if they’re plentiful in your home, you may rarely spot them. But if you happen to see several silverfish roaming your home, it’s safe to say you have an infestation on your hands.
When searching for proof of silverfish, don’t forget to thoroughly examine the common places where these ravenous pests feed. You may notice that silverfish leave several tiny holes in your clothing and other items, such as books, wallpaper, and even snacks in your pantry. Silverfish also enjoy feeding on pet food, so keep an eye on the pet bowl, too.
Female silverfish have the ability to lay many eggs during their lifespan. There are countless areas in your home that silverfish find suitable for breeding. They lay eggs in tiny, moist crevices, which can make it difficult to find eggs. Silverfish eggs are oval-shaped and white. Once hatched, baby silverfish (also called nymphs) are small and don’t have scales.
If you observe any of the above warning signs, we recommend that you hire a pest control service to tackle the silverfish infestation. Your pro will inspect your home, locate all breeding sites, and come up with a treatment plan to get rid of silverfish for good. Depending on your situation, they may advise that you get regular treatments to prevent recurring infestations. Professional pest control is an investment, and your peace of mind is often worth the price.
Before calling a pro, there are DIY methods you can try to get rid of silverfish on your own. You could try spraying cedar oils or other essential oils because silverfish hate strong smells. You can also try sprinkling boric acid along the affected areas of their home. Homemade or store-bought traps and insecticides are also common DIY methods. While DIY methods can be effective, it’s often best to hire a pro for severe or recurring infestations.
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and a silverfish infestation is no exception. Taking steps to prevent a silverfish infestation before it occurs is always the best route. Consider some ways to fight against a silverfish infestation:
Fix issues in your home that cause dampness, such as plumbing leaks.
Use a dehumidifier and make sure your home is properly ventilated.
Eliminate food sources and potential breeding grounds.
Clean and declutter regularly.
Keep starchy foods and precious personal belongings in airtight containers.
Seal any cracks and crevices.
Use natural repellents like fruit peels and dried herbs.
The cost of pest control can range anywhere from $50 to $500, depending on the type of pest, infestation size, treatment type, and location. Since silverfish can be difficult to remove, you may need professional treatment on a regular basis, especially if you live in a humid climate.
In extreme cases where fumigation is needed, you can expect to pay anywhere between $2,000 and $9,000 to treat your entire home. You may also need to factor in the cost of repair for any items that the silverfish may have damaged, such as expensive clothing or a rare book collection.
Silverfish can live anywhere from 2 to 8 years. Once a female silverfish lays her eggs, it only takes about 3 to 6 weeks for them to hatch and 40 days thereafter to resemble adult silverfish. With the right conditions, silverfish can live in your home for years. This is why it’s important to take action at the first sign of an infestation.
No, silverfish aren’t a serious threat to humans since they don’t bite, sting, or carry any diseases. However, silverfish have been known to trigger allergies in some individuals. While silverfish aren’t directly harmful to humans, these pests can cause damage to your personal belongings. Silverfish eat on starchy materials like fabric, books, wallpaper, and even pantry staples such as flour and oats.
