Most Collegeville, Pennsylvania homeowners know that eventually, they'll have to face dealing with a pest or two in their lifetime. One of the sneakiest of pests of all is the silverfish. These tricky insects are one of the hardest pests to get rid of on your own because they're so good at hiding. The damage they do can also go unnoticed for a long time, making them a huge nuisance. 

If you think you have a silverfish problem but aren't quite sure what to look out for - continue reading. In this blog, we explore silverfish identifiers, why it's dangerous to have them in your home, and which Collegeville pest control company to call to get rid of them for good.

What Are Silverfish?

Silverfish are insects that range between 1/2 and 3/4 of an inch in size, have silvery-brown bodies, and are shaped like fish. The most distinguishing feature of a silverfish is its metallic-silvery appearance, with three long bristles on its rear end. These insects tend to gravitate to any humid, moist areas of a home, and you'll most often find them in bathrooms, basements, and attics.

Silverfish also have six legs and antennae but no wings. The shape of their body closely resembles a fish, which is why they are called silverfish. They also make fish-like movements and are found throughout the U.S.

Is it Dangerous To Have Silverfish In My House?

Silverfish aren't terribly dangerous to one's property. They also don't pose much of a health risk and don't bite. So why is it dangerous to have silverfish in your home?

Silverfish are known to feed on paper, clothes, and upholstery. People with silverfish infestations usually report finding books or important documents chewed through or ruined. The same goes for clothing, draperies, etc. These insects also really enjoy flour and oats and will often invade containers of these ingredients not properly stored with tight-fitted lids. 

If you tend to store old photos, books, important documents, or old family heirlooms made of paper in your attic or basement, you may want to rethink your storage location or vessel to avoid silverfish damage.

Why Are There Silverfish In My House?

Silverfish invade homes for a number of reasons. Some of those include the following:

• There are moist, unventilated areas of your home: A silverfish's habitat includes a lot of humidity. The best way to prevent them from entering your home is to address this issue with dehumidifiers, repair any leaky pipes, and make sure any wet wood is stored far away from your home.
• You have old books and documents in cardboard boxes around your house: As stated previously, silverfish look for paper to survive. Storing these paper products in plastic containers with tight lids would likely be a better option to avoid any mishaps.
• You haven't cleaned your roof for a long time: Silverfish can enter your home through shake roofs that haven't been properly cleaned or sealed.

What's The Best Way To Get Rid Of Silverfish?

Silverfish can be a real nuisance to your home by destroying books and clothing and getting into your flour bins. Because they move so quickly, it can be impossible to get rid of silverfish on your own. The best way to get rid of silverfish is with a licensed pest control company like Terra Pest Management Specialists. At Terra, we have the experience and knowledge it takes to inspect your home properly and get safely rid of silverfish. If you're facing a silverfish infestation, don't wait to call us.

Our certified pest experts will work with you to find the best solution for your needs. Simply fill out this form for a free, no-obligation estimate.