You are in your bathroom, minding your own business, brushing your teeth, when all of a sudden you see something shiny and very fast scurry across the floor. Your first instinct may be to think aliens have invaded your bathroom, but we are happy to let you know that what you probably saw was actually a silverfish! Silverfish are humidity seeking pests and are common in homes throughout New England. Silverfish can be especially problematic in the spring when they and other pests become active once again after the winter season. The silverfish control experts here at Big Blue Bug Solutions want to provide you with the information you need to understand these unique looking insects, give you strategies to stop them from invading and living in your home, and of course, let you know how we can help!
Silverfish are brown and are covered in silvery scales; they are tear-drop shaped insects and move very quickly from place to place in a distinctive fish-like manner. Silverfish may look a bit creepy, but in reality they are a fairly harmless pest in the sense that they cause no real health problems for people or pets. While silverfish may not be a dangerous pest, they are an invasive and damaging pest. They feed on carbohydrates; and inside homes, they help themselves to things like clothing, furniture, pictures, wallpaper, books, and pantry items like cereals, oats, and flour.
Silverfish often enter homes and other properties on their own through spaces found in the foundation and through gaps underneath exterior doors while searching for food or a humid environment. They can also enter accidentally through packages and boxes that are brought inside. In homes, they are attracted to areas that are high in humidity like basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and areas under sinks. Once silverfish enter a property that provides them with food, humidity, and shelter, they usually decide to stay and enjoy the constant temperature and humidity levels; meaning silverfish can quickly become not just a springtime pest, but a year-round pest!
Don’t let your home become a silverfish habitat this spring. Take the time now to make some changes in and around your home to deter silverfish.
Silverfish Prevention Tips:
- Use dehumidifiers to reduce the humidity levels in your home; fix moisture issues by replacing leaky pipes and fixtures inside and out.
- Store cereals and other pantry items in plastic or glass containers instead of keeping them in their original packaging.
- Seal gaps along windows and doors and in the foundation of your home.
- Place a stone or rock barrier between your home’s foundation and any grass or mulch.
- Store items in plastic containers with tight fitting lids instead of in cardboard boxes.
- Inspect boxes and newspapers for silverfish before bringing them into your home.
Along with putting in place the above prevention measures, the best way to protect your home from silverfish and other pests this spring is to contact the professionals at Big Blue Bug Solutions. We offer year-round solutions for silverfish and other common household pests through our residential pest control programs. Don’t let your home go to the “bugs” this spring, stop them now and keep them out all year-long with the help of the New England pest professionals at Big Blue Bug Solutions!