What Are Silverfish?

Silverfish have a very descriptive name. These insects are not aquatic like fish but do move in a fish-like wriggling manner and their tear-dropped-shaped bodies are covered in metallic scales. Other physical features include having two long antennae and three bristle-like structures that extend from their hind end. Though they are not aquatic, silverfish do have high moisture needs and prefer to live in areas that have a lot of excess moisture.

Silverfish Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are silverfish dangerous?

Silverfish have an appearance that makes them seem much more dangerous than they are. Silverfish are nuisance pests that while annoying to deal with and difficult to eliminate don’t cause any significant problems. They aren’t known to spread disease and they don’t damage the structures of buildings.
 
Problems that silverfish do cause and why keeping them out of your home is important is they contaminate food stored in pantry areas and chew on and damage things in your home like books, wallpaper, stored clothes, and rugs.

Why do I have a silverfish problem?

Usually, silverfish cause us no issues when living outside, it is only when they move inside, seeking damp living conditions that they become a problem. Silverfish love to eat and feed on a variety of things including cellulose, glue, dead insects, and dry goods stored in the pantry.
 
Living outside in damp dark areas, the soil and garden areas around foundations often makes for a perfect habitat for silverfish. If it becomes too hot and dry for them to live comfortably outside they migrate indoors. Silverfish can live for many months without food as long as there is water available.

Common entry points for silverfish include cracked or water-damaged door trim, cracks in the foundation, and under basement or sliding glass doors that do not have a tight seal.

Where will I find silverfish?

Silverfish have high moisture needs and seek out cool damp areas to nest. Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements attract silverfish. They like to gather around drains, vents, air-conditioning units, and areas under sinks.
 
Finding silverfish in your Dallas home is significant not only because you need to address the silverfish infestation but because areas of moisture in your home attract other more dangerous pests including roaches, termites, and other wood-damaging insects.

How do I get rid of silverfish?

Locally owned and family-operated, All-Safe Pest & Termite is the best choice to get rid of silverfish from your home or business. We offer fast response times and peace of mind knowing that your pest problems will be solved, and they won’t return. Our experienced professionals provide top-quality pest control services using the latest and most effective products to eliminate silverfish from Dallas properties. Discover why your neighbors choose All-Safe Pest & Termite for their pest control needs. Give us a call today!

How can I prevent silverfish in the future?

Prevent problems with silverfish by partnering with All-Safe Pest & Termite and by implementing the following prevention tips:

• Since moisture is the main attractant for silverfish, removing their access to water is key to preventing them. Use dehumidifiers, place weatherstripping around windows and doors, maintain gutters, and fix leaky pipes.
• Repair the openings into your home that silverfish are using to squeeze their way inside. Caulk cracks in the foundation, repair damaged door trim, and place door sweeps on exterior doors.
• Rake leaves and remove overgrown vegetation from the areas next to your home’s foundation.
• Create a crushed stone barrier between the soil or garden areas and your foundation.
• In kitchen and pantry areas, store dry goods in containers with airtight lids.
• In your home, use plastic storage containers with locking lids instead of cardboard boxes.