When it comes to household pests, silverfish can be one of the eeriest. As their name suggests, these small insects move in a smooth, fish-like way. Thankfully, these nocturnal insects aren't terribly destructive. Although you should still schedule residential pest control services when you spot them, it's essential to know they aren't dangerous. To learn more about these pests, read on.

Common Questions about Silverfish

What do silverfish look like?

Silverfish have an elongated teardrop shape, long antennae, three pairs of legs, and three, long rear appendages. As you might expect, they're often silver, but they can also be blue-gray, or even a bit brown in color. They're usually between half an inch to an inch long.

What do silverfish eat?

Silverfish are attracted to cellulose, a starchy sugar. Aside from cereals and grains, cellulose can be found in plant-based fabrics, glue, and paper products. This food source is the reason they're commonly found in piles of books or in boxes you have in storage. Although they have weak jaws, they are persistent.

They will essentially scrape the surface of whatever they're eating, which can eventually lead to markings or holes. Without residential pest control, you could end up with an infestation, which could result in significant damage.

Do they bite or carry diseases harmful to humans?

As mentioned above, silverfish have weak jaws and cannot bite humans or pets. Furthermore, they do not carry diseases; however, their presence can cause an allergic reaction. More specifically, it's the skin they leave behind after their molt that can be allergy-inducing.

What are the typical residential pest control treatment options?

Residential pest control companies have a variety of traps and insecticides designed for both silverfish and their eggs. While some home remedies, like cinnamon, can repel the adult silverfish, they do not kill them, nor do they harm the eggs.

Aside from traps, the pest control company can also make preventative recommendations. Some of these include sealing up cracks in the foundation or walls, as well as lowering humidity levels. The latter is particularly important, as silverfish are most comfortable in areas of high humidity.

If you see silverfish in your home, Pest-Ex can help. Based in Dothan, AL, this commercial and residential pest control company has served Eastern Alabama and Western Georgia for more than 60 years. Given their decades of experience, you can trust their pest control treatments are comprehensive and effective. You can learn more about how they handle silverfish and various other pests on their website. If you have any questions, call them at (334) 794-5903.