How To Get Rid Of Silverfish In Your Tampa Home And Keep Them Out

Silverfish are a fairly uncommon pest. They fall into a category of pests known as “occasional invaders.” Pests in this category are unlikely to invade your home under normal circumstances. Instead, they usually do so in response to some change in the environment that forces them to look for a new source of food or shelter. This article will provide you with everything you need to know about silverfish. We’ll talk about how to identify them, the damage they can cause if you allow them to remain in your home, and a few things you can do to keep them out. Getting rid of silverfish may require the assistance of a professional pest control company like Haskell Termite & Pest Control. We’ve been helping homeowners with pest control in Tampa for years.

How To Identify Silverfish In Your Home

If you’ve ever seen a picture of a silverfish, you’ll understand where their name comes from. These insects have shimmering, metallic scales and a somewhat fish-like appearance. The way they move also resembles a fish swimming through the water. Silverfish in Tampa are sometimes called “bristletails” because of the three long appendages on the back end of their bodies. They have six legs and two antennae. Their bodies are long, flat, and narrow, usually measuring between half an inch and three-quarters of an inch long. The shape of their bodies often resembles a tiny carrot or teardrop. They range from silver to brown in color. They have eyes that are small, compound, and far apart. Let’s start the next section with an important question: are silverfish harmful to humans? 

Silverfish Can Damage Your Belongings 

Unlike many other pests, silverfish don’t pose any significant threat to humans. They don’t spread diseases, they aren’t venomous, and they don’t have enough bite force to harm a person. The real danger that these pests present is that of property damage. Silverfish will eat clothes, paper products, grains, sugar, cellulose, and glue, among other things. They tend to leave behind holes in clothes and paper products, as well as notches, stains, or shed scales, which may help you identify their presence. Silverfish gravitate toward hot, moist areas of the homes they invade, like attics, bathrooms, and basements. 

Four No-Sweat Prevention Tips To Keep Silverfish Out Of Your Home 

Now that you’re aware of the potential damage that silverfish can cause in your home, let’s talk about what you can do to keep these pests away. It’s important that you prevent silverfish from getting into your home so that you don’t have to go through the hassle of trying to get them out later. Here’s how to keep silverfish away: 

1. Minimize sources of excess moisture in your home.

2. Store items that silverfish eat in sealed plastic containers.

3. Remove and replace any moldy or wet wood.

4. Make sure to seal any cracks or gaps in the siding or around windows and doors. 

Following these steps should make it much harder for silverfish to get into your home and cause damage. If you do find silverfish in your home, you can always contact Haskell Termite & Pest Control for help removing them. 

The Best Way To Get Rid Of A Silverfish Infestation In Your Home 

As is the case with most pests, professional home pest control is the best way to get rid of silverfish in your home. Since 1992, Haskell Termite & Pest Control has been serving the residents of Tampa, helping keep homes safe from all manner of pests. We’re a family-owned business that offers free estimates and a service guarantee. Our service technicians have over 100 years of combined experience, and we make sure to never cut corners. If you need to get silverfish out of your home quickly, call Haskell Termite & Pest Control today!