Silverfish Control

What are Silverfish?

Silverfish are small, wingless insects that are categorised in the order Zygentoma. Their name comes from the colour of their metallic-like scales which are typically silver or dark brown. On average, silverfish measure between 12-19mm in length from their head to the end of their body – not including their long tails.

They have six legs and two antennae, and their long body causes them to move in a fish-like manner as if they are swimming. As a species, they are generally shy creatures who will hide in the shadows and avoid humans like the plague. Hiding is a vital survival tactic developed over years as they cannot fly or attack, making them vulnerable to predators; however, they can move very quickly. Like most insect pests, silverfish can breed rapidly, which is why it’s vital to catch the infestation early.

Signs of a Silverfish Infestation

Silverfish infestations can be hard to spot as they are known for hiding from humans and are nocturnal creatures. It’s relatively rare that you will see a live silverfish in your home with your own eyes; instead, it’s essential to know the telltale signs of a silverfish infestation that you can look out for.

The most common signs of a silverfish infestation include:

Droppings

Like all pests, silverfish leave droppings wherever they go, which can be used as an indicator of their presence within your home. Luckily, silverfish droppings are rather unique, which can help distinguish them from other problem pests like cockroaches, for example. Look out for distinctive small, black or dark-coloured, peppercorn-like balls in hard-to-reach, secluded areas like your garage, or under your kitchen appliances.

Skin

Throughout their life cycle, silverfish will shed their skin numerous times. Depending on how long they have been inside your home, you might start to notice small and very delicate, empty outer shells made of dead skin with a scale-like appearance. Again, this is a telltale sign of a silverfish infestation, so pay attention to secluded areas of your property.

Yellow Stains

During the shedding process, silverfish also leave behind distinctive yellow-coloured dust. If you don’t notice the skin itself, keep an eye out for yellow stains around problem areas, particularly on books, papers and cardboard boxes indicating their presence.

Damage

One of the most common ways people discover a silverfish infestation in their home is via the damage they create. Silverfish feed off the sugars and carbohydrates found in various household items, including books, papers, photos, and wallpaper. The proteins found in items like soap, hair, glue, silk, cotton and linen are also essential building blocks for silverfish. 

The pests have also been found to have eaten items commonly found in your food cupboards, including coffee grounds, sugar, flour and oats. If you’ve found holes chewed through your possessions or small bite marks on the items listed above, you’re likely suffering from a silverfish infestation.

If you have noticed any of these signs in or around your home, then it’s highly likely that you have a silverfish infestation. In this case, it’s vital to act fast and contact your local pest controllers before the infestation gets out of control. Call Pest-Tech now on 01622 296055 to book your silverfish control treatment.

Are Silverfish Harmful?

Overall, silverfish are not the most dangerous pests out there; however, they do carry significant risks. Scientists have proven that they do not carry harmful pathogens or diseases that could lead to health complications in humans, and they do not bite like bed bugs or fleas. 

While they may not cause direct harm to humans, they can cause damage to your belongings. We’ve attended callouts where family’s treasured photo albums have been chewed through, and important documents have also been damaged. 

In certain cases, silverfish infestations can trigger severe allergic reactions. As they shed their skins via the process of molting, they leave behind their scales which contain a protein called tropomyosin. This protein has been known to trigger allergies and cause significant respiratory complications in some people. 

On top of allergic reactions, silverfish can also contaminate food products in your food cupboards, including flour and meat.  

Silverfish Infestations

Silverfish infestations usually begin when the insect gains access to your home via tiny cracks or air vents outside your property. To avoid this, we highly recommend applying proofing techniques to such areas using a tight weave vent cover that will deny access to insects but allow airflow to continue. 

Silverfish in Bathrooms

Silverfish thrive in poorly ventilated areas with high humidity levels. Damp conditions are often created in areas of your home, like the bathroom, which is one of the most commonly affected areas we treat. To prevent enticing silverfish into your home, we strongly recommend ensuring your bathroom is well ventilated. If you’re struggling with damp in your home, then investing in a dehumidifier can also help to remove the conditions silverfish prefer. 

Commercial Silverfish Control Services

It’s not just homes that are plagued by silverfish infestations! Commercial properties are also at risk of developing a silverfish infestation, particularly in hotels and kitchens. Pests and businesses simply don’t mix. Not only will silverfish cause damage to your commercial property, but their presence can dramatically impact your brand’s reputation, sending your potential customers elsewhere.

To help maintain your company’s high standard and reputation, we offer commercial silverfish control treatments to all businesses, large or small, across Maidstone and the surrounding areas of Kent. Check out our commercial pest control services for more information, or call 01622 296055 to book your site survey today.

Local Silverfish Removals Near You

It’s clear that silverfish infestations can get out of hand fast, which is why it’s vital to contact your local pest control professional as soon as you first notice the signs of their presence on your property. Here at Pest-Tech, we use a residual chemical insecticide spray to remove silverfish in all stages of life, plus we also offer monitoring treatments using lures to help identify their presence in those hard-to-reach, secluded areas of your home. 

If you suspect you’re suffering from a silverfish infestation, visit the areas we cover page to find our local pest control technician in your area or contact the team on 01622 296055 to book your silverfish control treatment today.

The Pest-Tech team have successfully carried out numerous silverfish control services in Maidstone for both domestic and commercial clients, so you can have faith in our abilities. Our years of experience and high standards of pest management training are evident in our glowing reviews, seen at the bottom of this page. 

So, book your survey today and protect your property and belongings from the damage caused by silverfish using our silverfish removal and control services in Maidstone and the county of Kent.