Why Silverfish Invade Tucson Homes And How To Keep Them Out

Silverfish are drawn to moist, humid areas such as bathrooms and attics, and tend to hide from humans, which means that the damage they cause usually goes unnoticed. A silverfish infestation may be discovered through irregular feeding marks such as holes, notches along edges or surface etchings, yellow stains, or tiny, black pepper-like feces pellets. When you begin seeing silverfish damage, it may be time to contact Conquistador Pest & Termite to discuss pest control in Tucson.

How To Identify A Silverfish

Silverfish are small, wingless insects, able to run very quickly.  Silverfish have flattened bodies often shaped like teardrops, carrots, or fish, which taper from head to rear end, and are typically covered with scales. There are several different types of silverfish throughout the U.S., but they are all easily recognized and spotted since they are common in appearance.

Since silverfish in Tucson are primarily a nuisance pest, causing property damage by chewing holes in upholstery, paper goods, and clothing, it is important to get rid of silverfish when you know you are dealing with an infestation. Knowing how to treat silverfish is key and having someone able to thoroughly inspect your home for an infestation and eliminate the problem thoroughly is necessary to get the job done right.

Why You Don't Want Silverfish Crawling Around Your Home

There are many silverfish infestation signs to look for, as they can cause damage to personal belongings, especially anything made from paper, including books, envelopes, and wallpaper. Silverfish eat clothes and may also feed on glue as well as some food items.

Their preferred meals are protein as opposed to carbohydrates and they are cannibalistic. They will eat dead or injured of their own kind before eating glue or flour or items of that sort, although they will eat these things if other food sources are not available.

Five Naturally Effective Silverfish Prevention Tips

Considered household pests due to their destructive nature, silverfish are also responsible for food contamination. Additionally, they can digest book bindings, carpet, clothing, glue, some paint, photos, and sugar.

Here are five effective tips to help prevent silverfish in your home:

1. Silverfish are drawn to dampness, so getting a dehumidifier for your home will help cut down on what is drawing the silverfish to your building.
2. Repair any leaking exterior pipes and drains that may attract silverfish to your home.
3. Eliminate or repair moldy or wet wood, as this is a major silverfish attractant since rotting wood is a habitat and a food source for silverfish.
4. Don’t keep your old books and magazines in areas where silverfish are usually found. This will draw them into your home as a food source.
5. Put all human and pet food in airtight containers. Items such as flour and sugar are especially important because these items are major attractants to silverfish.

Preventing silverfish infestation in your Tucson home is important since they can be so destructive, and once they have a firm foothold, it’s hard to get rid of them without professional assistance.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Silverfish In Your Home

When a silverfish infestation is suspected or found, the best way to be certain that you’ve eliminated the problem entirely is to contact a pest control service. Conquistador Pest & Termite is locally owned and operated, and we offer a variety of packages to suit the needs of our customers. We understand the importance of protecting you and your family. Contact us now for a free estimate and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Tucson.