a silverfish inside of a jacksonville florida home

What Do Silverfish Look Like?

Silverfish are slender insects with round heads that taper down to pointed abdomens. They are pearl gray, and they appear to shine, which is what makes them look silver. On the end of the abdomen, silverfish have three appendages that are a bit like tails. On the other end of their heads, they have two antennae. Silverfish do not have wings and do not fly, but they can move very fast.

an illustration of a silverfish

What Attracts Silverfish?

Silverfish are attracted to dark, damp areas. They're commonly discovered in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and attics. Once in a Jacksonville home, silverfish often find their way to damp clothing and anything made from paper. They love cardboard boxes and therefore are often found in storage units and containers. They've been known to eat starch, human hair, dust, and dead insects.

Are Silverfish Dangerous?

Silverfish may look creepy, but they're not dangerous to humans or pets. They don't carry or spread any known diseases; however, some people may have allergies that are triggered by the silverfish molting process. Silverfish molt and discard their skin, which creates dust that could affect those with dust allergies.

When it comes to your property, however, silverfish have destructive feeding habits that can damage wallpaper, books, and clothing. They can ruin your food by infesting your cereal boxes and other dry goods. In large numbers, silverfish can cause extensive damages that are costly to repair. A telltale sign of a silverfish infestation is yellowing of wallpaper or bookbinders or small tears in the pages of books or magazines.

Because silverfish move fast and are nocturnal, you may have an infestation that goes unnoticed for long periods of time, giving them ample opportunity to populate.

How Do I Get Rid Of Silverfish?

Silverfish are a tricky pest to control. Roof shingles hold onto moisture and create a place for mold to grow. The mold serves as a source of food for silverfish. If you have silverfish in your home, contact Lindsey Pest Services to discuss the situation and find out how we can help.

 
 

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