The Challenges Of Silverfish Removal

Silverfish consume polysaccharides that can be found in starches, as well as dextrin, which can be found in adhesives. Book bindings, carpet, clothing, coffee, dandruff, glue, hair, paints, paper, photos, plaster, and sugar are among their favorite foods. An infestation of silverfish can lead to extensive property damage, as the population will continue to consume household items to feed its members. This damage is the reason most homeowners decide to take silverfish removal seriously. Likewise, silverfish have been known to cause damage to tapestries and will also eat cotton, dead insects, linen, silk, and even their own molted exoskeleton if food is especially limited. In times of limited resources, silverfish can live up to a year without eating.

Silverfish are small, wingless insects that have been found throughout the world, including Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Asia. They prefer warm, moist climates, and as such, prefer to congregate in areas of the home like attics, basements, sinks, kitchens, and showers. Silverfish can also continue to thrive in the colder winter months as long as they have access to shelter. When conducting a silverfish removal regimen, these areas should be a top priority.

These nocturnal insects typically measure from around a half-inch to an inch in length and are known for their tapered abdomens, which lend them their fishy appearance. Newly-hatched silverfish are whitish or pale blue, though they develop their silvery hue as they age.

The silverfish is known for its unique mating ritual, which is three phases and can last over half an hour in some cases. Once complete, the female will carry the eggs to term, which usually lasts between two weeks to two months, and then deposits the eggs in groups of fewer than sixty at once. In fact, it’s quite uncommon for a female silverfish to lay more than 100 eggs in her lifetime. When the silverfish babies (known as nymphs) hatch, they’re typically pale white and look like smaller adults. As the nymph grows older, they will molt and eventually take on their characteristic silver appearance. Silverfish are among the very few types of insects that continue to molt after reaching maturity.

Thanks to their nocturnal habits, a silverfish infestation might go unnoticed for a long time, which can make successful silverfish removal even more difficult. When the damage has been correctly identified and diagnosed, however, your pest control professional will be able to put together a plan of attack that works best for your situation.

Cantu Pest & Termite is proud to be the first company in Texas to offer our Cantu Green Services to our customers in search of a more prevention-based solution to their pest removal while minimizing the use of pesticides.

If silverfish have made unwanted appearances around your home or business, call Cantu Pest & Termite and schedule an appointment today with one of our friendly, experienced silverfish removal experts.