SILVERFISH

Silverfiwh can be a challenging pest to control once they establish themselves in your home or business. Typically, silverfish prefer dark, humid environments such as bathrooms, basements, or kitchens. Once silverfish make their way inside, it can be difficult to eliminate them due to their nocturnal behavior, fast movement, and hiding ability.

Often gaining access through gaps around pipes, foundational cracks, or paper products, silverfish are persistent insects. Dpending on the severity of the infestation, silverfish may damage books, wallpaper, clothing, or stored food items containing starches or sugars. EcoShield Pest Solutions's silverfish control starts with proper identification and a strategic treatment plan from out specialists. At EcoShield, we are here to help you eliminate existing silverfish activity and protect your property from future infestations through our effective solutions.

IDENTIFYING SILVERFISH AND SIGNS OF INFESTATION

Identifying silverfish is fairly straightforward once you know what to look for, although many homeowners never see them due to their fast movement and nocturnal habits. Silverfish are wingless insects, but quickly dart away when exposed to light, which makes daytime sightings rare. Understanding how to spot a silverfish based on its appearance and signs they leave behind is crucial to detecting an infestation.

Silverfish thrive in environments with high humidity and moderate temperatures, which is why they are commonly found in bathrooms, basements, or laundry areas. Feeding on carbohydrates like starches and protein from common household items, silverfish can cause damage that goes unnoticed until extreme severity. Silverfish can survive for months without food, and live for 2-8 years, making established infestations particularly challenging to eliminate without EcoShield's professional assistance.

WHAT DO SILVERFISH LOOK LIKE?

Size: 1/2 - 3/4" in length
Shape: Teardrop or carrot-shaped body, tapering from head to tail
Color: Metallic silver or gray, covered in tiny scales that make them shimmer
Movement: Fish-like wiggling motion, extremely fast runners
Features: Three long tails at the read, two long antennae at the head

SIGNS OF A SILVERFISH INFESTATION

Even if you haven't seen a silverfish directly, there are several signs that indicate their presence:

Yellow stains or scales: Smell yellowish stains on books, papers, fabrics, or wallpaper indicate where silverfish have been feeding
Small black droppings: Pepper-like fecal pellets can be found near infested areas
Damaged food packaging: Small holes in boxes or bags that contain any cereal, starches, or dried goods
Live sightings at night: Fast movers, quickly disperse when exposed to light

WHERE DO SILVERFISH HIDE?

Silverfish seek out dark, humid, and undisturbed areas where they can remain hidden, such as:

Behind crown molding, baseboards, or in bathrooms
In wall voids or foundation cracks
Under sinks or plumbing fixtures
Inside paper goods such as cardboard boxes, books, or papers
Attics with moisture problems
In closets with stores clothing or linens

Prevention is usually much easier and more manageable than attempting to treat an infestation. If you’ve experienced silverfish problems in the past or are concerned that your home may be at risk, contact EcoShield for an inspection and front-line treatment plan. Protecting yourself prior to silverfish becoming a problem is the single best way to avoid damage altogether. Our year-round Shield Protection Plan can also prevent and control silverfish before they become a problem.

SEE SILVERFISH? TAKE THESE STEPS

If you see one silverfish, it’s safe to say that there are more crawling around in your walls, plumbing, and reproducing in dark areas where you can’t see them. Your silverfish problem will not go away on its own, and some pest control methods are ineffective.

Want to get rid of your silverfish for good? Follow these steps:

Step 1: Call EcoShield Pest Solutions today for a free estimate.
Step 2: Avoid trying to treat your silverfish problem before our team of experts can properly identify the extent of the invasion and moisture conditions that contriibute to it.
Step 3: Schedule a time that works best for you. The pest control technicians at EcoShield always strive to accommodate your schedule.
Step 4: Watch your pest control problem disappear and eliminate your stress.

At EcoShield, we help you through every step of the pest control treatment process. Whether you have general questions about silverfish in your home or you need to get rid of a damaging infestation, our experts are trained to answer any questions and provide the best solution for you.