This Is Why They Are Called Silverfish…

Silverfish are a species of insects with small bodies and tiny scales that are common throughout Canada. Their scientific name is Lepisma saccharina.

Silverfish are not harmful to humans but are a nuisance to live with. Although they are harmless in terms of health hazards to humans, silverfish can very destructive to property.

A silverfish infestation can be hard to manage. These wingless insects eat almost anything, making them hard to deal with. Like other small insects of its family, silverfish live in gardens with high humidity, under piles of dry leaves, in wood stores, garages, and even in gutters.

If you have cracks and leaky pipes around your house, then you are prone to a silverfish attack. The damage they cause to property, especially books, clothes, and bedding, is irreversible because of their droppings with yellow stains.

Our professional personnel at secret agent pest control and wildlife removal can help you prevent silverfish infestation or eliminate them if you are already infested.

How did Silverfish get their name?

The name 'silverfish' originates from the insect's silvery color with a shiny metallic appearance. Silverfish also referred to as bristletails, have long antennae and three bristle-like appendages on their body, which gives them a fish-like shape. These insects are prevalent throughout Canada.

Get Rid of Silverfish: The Wingless Insect

Silverfish can be very destructive insects that are unbearable to live with. These insects with threadlike antennas love dark places and can live for two to eight years. That's a long time!

You cannot imagine the extent of damage that the feeding marks can cause to your clothing, bedding, furniture, and important papers.

Luckily, there are several practical methods to get rid of a silverfish infestation. Here are practical tips that can help you fight this invasive insect.

Use glass traps with starchy foods

Using glass traps is a DIY method of eliminating silverfish. To set these traps up, use a raised glass jar and place some sugar inside it.

After placing the sugar, lay the traps on the basements, attics and damp areas, and other crawl spaces. Remember to wrap the outside of the jar with tape to enable them to climb the glass jar. Once they are inside, they won't be able to escape. You can then burn and kill the silverfish once the jar is nearly full.

Use newspaper rolls

Another practical way to eliminate these fish-like insects is laying newspaper rolls on their hideouts. The tips of the rolls should be moist to attract them.

Once they establish their home (say after a week), collect the rolls and burn them to get rid of silverfish that have set base inside. This slower but efficient method makes it a perfect option during the holiday season.

Lay sticky straps on their hideouts and crawl spaces

Silverfish do not have any natural predators, and that promotes their existence. When you lay sticky straps, they will get stacked, and once dead insects fully cover the sticky surface, dispose of it and install another one. Repeat the process until they are fully wiped out.

Use silverfish poison

Salt is not poisonous, but when taken by these pests, they get dehydrated. For a harsher poisonous substance, opt for boric acid. You can dilute it and spray the solution, not their hideouts. Boric acids should be used carefully because they can also kill pets and kids.

Spread cedar shavings or cedar oil

silverfish hate the pheromones that cedar releases. This method involves using a diffuser or spray bottle with cedar oil and water. These natural products act as a curative and preventive measure because the scent released repels silverfish.

Spread bay leaves around your homestead

Bay leaves to release oils that repel silverfish and other insects.

Silverfish Infestation & Pest Control

Sign of a Silverfish Infestation

Homeowners must be very careful to notice a silverfish infestation. If you live in areas prone to large infestations, watch out for any silverfish bite that leaves small holes in materials. They also cause yellow stains on clothing made from synthetic fabrics.

 

Are silverfish harmful?

Silverfish do not spread disease but can damage your belongings and contaminate food. Imagine finding stains on your expensive suit ao any other clothing! to prevent this, when you notice any Insict with small compound eyes, six legs, tail-like appendages and silvery scales, talk to secret agent pest control and wildlife removal for assistance to eliminate silverfish.

Do silverfish bite?

NO! they do not bite but can be very destructive.

What attracts silverfish to your house, and why do I have silverfish?

Plenty of food to eat. Silverfish's diet consists of carbohydrates and sugary foods that or readily available in most homes. They also love polysaccharides found in book glue and other library objects.

 

Places to hide. Like other animals, silverfish are in a constant quest for survival. This forces them to look for the safest places to leave their eggs, especially at the rear end of basements, attics, and other dump areas around your house.

Moisture. Like many other pests, this insect with a fish-like shape thrives in humid environments. If rainwater leaks into your basements, ensure it's fixed to deter such animals.

Places to thrive. They have a very long lifespan of up to 8 years, and when they find a good spot to lay eggs and enough food, they can easily multiply. Ensure you talk to a pest control professional when you notice an insect with a shiny body and tiny scale because that's probably a silverfish.

Where Do Silverfish Hide, and What Damage Do They Do?

This wingless insect thrives in humid and moist areas like bathrooms, attics and basements. Even with the insect's silvery color, noticing silverfish can be difficult because they tend to hide from humans and just like cockroaches and other insects.

Silverfish do not harm humans but can be very destructive. Their droppings leave permanent stains on books, Important documents, clothing and carpets.

Are silverfish a sign of a dirty house?

No, if you have silverfish in your home, it indicates that your house is damp. You should repair any leaks and ensure that food is properly stored because they constantly search for food sources.

How can you naturally get rid of silverfish?

Proper storage of food. Keep all cereals in a sealed container and place them in cupboards to starve them.

Dust your house after meals. This will clear any food particles that attract silverfish into your house.

Dispose of unnecessary items like cardboard boxes that contain adhesive.

Store all dry clothes in containers or tight wardrobes that silverfish cannot get into.

Repair any cracks and openings around your home to prevent them from entering your living space.

Install a Dehumidifier. Whether you want a get rid of silverfish or deter them from coming to your house, this gadget works wonders. This minimizes moisture content in your homestead.

Ensure proper ventilation. This should be done especially in rooms like the kitchen and bathroom where water is constantly used.

Remove piles of brush, dead leaves, and dry wood. This ensures that there is no dumb debris that can harbor silverfish.