Silverfish

Lepisma saccharina
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What do silverfish look like?

silverfish hiding under a bathroom sink

Silverfish are a wingless, nuisance pest, they are not a fish at all, but are named “silverfish” because of the silvery-gray scales that cover their body and the fast fish-like manner that they move in.

Adults grow to be about ¾ of an inch in length and their bodies are brown in color. Silverfish have a tear-drop shaped body (think carrot), a distinctive long pair of antennae and a super long bristle-like appendage that comes off the back of their body.

Are silverfish dangerous?

Silverfish are not a dangerous pest to people or pets, they don’t bite or sting and aren’t known to cause any health issues. Silverfish are considered to be general feeders, this means they will feed on almost anything, but they do prefer items that are high in starches, sugar, and protein.

Their feeding habits mean that they can contaminate food and damage items inside of a home like wallpaper, pictures, books, clothing, furniture and carpets.

Why do I have a silverfish problem?

Silverfish seek dark, high humidity environments and may enter homes through cracks in the foundation and/or crawlspaces and through spaces found underneath of doors while foraging for food and suitable shelter. The most common way that silverfish are introduced into a home is by bringing in boxes, piles of papers, or packages that are already infested with these nuisance pests.

Inside they can be found living in the basement, attic, crawl space, and bathrooms- silverfish also feed on cellulose which is found in shaving foams, shampoos and other personal products.

Can I control silverfish?

For silverfish control in New Jersey, Arrow Pest Control offers an effective pest control services that eliminate the problem and corrects the conditions that attract them.  If silverfish have infested your New Jersey home, contact the dedicated pest professionals at Arrow Pest Control today!

How do I make my property less attractive to silverfish?

The best way to make your property less attractive to silverfish is to reduce humidity levels in your home by using dehumidifiers and/or air-conditioners. It is also helpful to wipe out sinks and bathtubs and fix leaky faucets. Other steps that you can take to prevent silverfish include:

  • Regularly dust and vacuum your home to remove dust and hair.
  • Seal cracks or crevices found in your home’s foundation.
  • Install door sweeps under exterior doors.
  • Inspect newspapers, boxes and packages for silverfish before bringing them into your home.
Deborah S.

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Deborah S.
Monroe, NJ
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