Despite their name, you will not find silverfish in the ocean. Instead, these tiny little creatures are destructive insects that can invade your home and are hard to eliminate. If you see any signs of a silverfish in your Plano home, you will need the help of an experienced Plano pest control specialist. At All-Safe Pest & Termites, we know how to get rid of all silverfish in your home promptly and effective manner.
What Is This Little Silver Bug?
Silverfish are some of the most unique-looking insects found in Plano. They are usually about 1/2 an inch long. They get their name because metallic silver scales cover their bodies that resemble the scales on a fish. They also have six short legs and two antennae that add to their fish-like appearance.
To help you better understand these unique insects, here is a look at some interesting facts about silverfish:
- Silverfish are the oldest insects on the planet still in existence today and, scientists believe, were around before dinosaurs.
- These insects easily climb walls and other vertical surfaces and squeeze into almost any small crevice and gap.
- Most pesticides don't work on silverfish; these small insects have built up a tolerance to many pesticides you'll find in stores. For this reason, it can be incredibly difficult to get rid of silverfish on your own.
- Silverfish have a long life expectancy. Unlike most other insects in Plano, silverfish can live for several years. On average, a silverfish can live between three and six years. Being able to thrive for several years is quite an achievement in the insect world.
Silverfish can also go up to one year without food, which is another reason silverfish can be difficult to eliminate from your home.
The Issues With Silverfish Creeping Around Your Home
Silverfish are not known to spread diseases to people. However, that doesn't mean that they are completely harmless. Many people are allergic to silverfish droppings and the scales they leave behind. Sometimes, these insects can even cause severe allergic reactions in certain people.
They are also known to destroy your home and personal belongings. Silverfish will chew holes through your clothing, sheets, paper products, and other starchy materials.
Factors That Attract Silverfish To Your Home
Silverfish are nocturnal and most active at night. To survive, they need food, shelter, and water. If they believe that they can get this from your home, they will come inside. Some of the things that can attract a silverfish to your home include:
- Moisture: Silverfish need a lot of moisture to survive. They thrive in areas where the humidity is over 75 percent. They can only survive for a short time if the humidity is too low. Because of their need for moisture, you can usually find them in your basement, bathroom, and laundry rooms.
- Starchy carbohydrates: Silverfish have unique appetites. They like to eat food high in starch, protein, and carbohydrates. Some of the things that silverfish will snack on include paper, clothing, cardboard boxes, oats, flour, and insulation.
- Darkness: Silverfish love dark and warm places. They prefer their homes to be between 70 and 90 degrees. If you have a basement, crawl space, or another dark area that stays warm and humid, you should inspect it for silverfish.
Silverfish like to eat a lot of strange things. In addition to the foods listed above, they will also consume glue. If you have objects that have a lot of glue, tape, or other adhesives, you should keep them in a plastic container or get rid of them altogether.
How Can I Stop Silverfish From Getting Into My Home?
Silverfish can squeeze through incredibly small gaps and cracks around your home. To help keep them from getting into your home, you should use caulk or some other permanent material to seal up any cracks or gaps around your home.
If you see a silverfish in your Plano home, do not hesitate to contact us today. At All-Safe Pest & Termite, we will thoroughly inspect your home and develop a comprehensive plan to eliminate them from your home. We use state-of-the-art techniques and equipment to eliminate silverfish from properties and help keep them out.