Silverfish

No one wants to start their morning off by finding a silverfish scuttling around their bathroom sink. Although silverfish are not dangerous to humans, they can cause property damage if an infestation is allowed to spread. They feed on starches, adhesives, and other items containing polysaccharides. That means your book bindings, paper, paint, glue, carpets, clothing, coffee, dandruff, hair, and sugar are all up for grabs if silverfish invade. 

Before silverfish make a meal out of your belongings, discover how to identify them and how to prevent them with PURCOR.

How to Identify Silverfish

The silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) is a small wingless insect that gets its name from the “silvery” light-gray and bluish color of its body. It darts and wiggles with fish-like movements when it scurries around. Silverfish have long antennae, tapered abdomens, and two small compound eyes. They are typically between half an inch to 1 inch long. A newly hatched silverfish appears white but develops its trademark gray hue and metallic shine as it ages.

How to Prevent Silverfish

Preventing silverfish means eliminating moisture where possible. Silverfish rely on a humid environment for survival, which is why they often lurk in bathrooms or under kitchen sinks. They’re also drawn to areas with high humidity, such as basements or other rooms with poor ventilation.

After you shower, be sure to wipe down excess water and leave the fan on for a bit to dry out the air. You should also check sinks for leaks. If you have books, newspapers, craft supplies, and other materials that silverfish may munch, be sure to keep them in airtight containers.

Silverfish Control Solutions

While lowering the humidity in your home and packing your belongings in airtight containers are good practices for avoiding silverfish, it takes a team of pest professionals to prevent these pests. When you need to keep silverfish at bay, turn to PURCOR—with service area locations all over the U.S. Contact PURCOR for a quote today.