What Are Silverfish and How to Get Rid of Them

Understanding Silverfish and How to Get Rid of Them

Silverfish are pesky, uninvited guests that can wreak havoc on your home. When you need to get rid of silverfish in Sacramento, CA, Apex Pest Control is the team to call. We provide the area’s leading silverfish pest control services. These creepy crawlers may be small, but they can cause big problems if left unchecked. Therefore, tackling a silverfish infestation isn’t just about eliminating them. Our goals also include preventing their return and protecting your belongings.

This guide will explain what silverfish are, how to identify them, and silverfish pest control treatment options. Apex Pest Control is proud to be a trusted partner for silverfish pest control at homes throughout Northern California.

What Is a Silverfish?

Despite their name, silverfish aren’t fish. They’re insects with silvery, fish-like bodies that wiggle as they move, which give them their aquatic-sounding moniker. These nocturnal critters predate dinosaurs by millions of years. Silverfish are small, slender, and wingless. Their silvery-gray bodies can measure up to three-quarters of an inch and feature three long bristles at the tip of their tails. They’re agile and quick, allowing them to dart away and hide as soon as they sense danger.

Facts About Silverfish

Understanding silverfish is the first step to managing an infestation. Here are some key facts about these unwanted pests:

Lifespan – Silverfish can live for up to three years, giving them plenty of time to multiply if left untreated.
Reproduction – A female silverfish lays about 100 eggs in her lifetime. The eggs hatch in less than three weeks.
Survival Instincts – They can survive months without food, making them incredibly resilient pests.

Why Silverfish Are Detrimental

Silverfish can cause serious damage to your home if not addressed promptly. Among the ways they can cause problems are:

Destruction to Belongings – Silverfish feed on starch materials found in books, wallpaper, cardboard, carpets, and clothing. Your treasured photographs, old documents, and textiles are at risk when silverfish are present.
Allergies – Their shedded skin, droppings, and carcasses can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
Rapid Infestation – With quick reproduction rates and a knack for hiding, silverfish can overwhelm your home in a hurry.

How to Identify Silverfish

Are you worried about or suspicious of a silverfish problem at your Sacramento home? Look for the following signs of a silverfish infestation:

Appearance – Be on the lookout for small, flat, and silvery creatures with tapered, fish-like bodies.
Behavior – Silverfish make fast, darting movements when exposed to light.
Damage – Look for irregular scrape marks on paper, wallpaper, or fabric.

What Do Silverfish Eat?

Silverfish are drawn to starchy and sugary substances. This makes pantries, bookshelves, and closets prime targets for them. Chewed pages and fabrics could be signs of silverfish activity. They like to feed on:

Natural fibers like cotton, silk, and linen
Paper, including books, wallpaper, and cardboard
Sugary foods and residues in your pantry
Glue, adhesive, and binding materials found in books or furniture

Where Might You Find Silverfish In Your Home?

Silverfish thrive in dark, damp, and humid environments. The most common places they like to hide include:

Basements and crawl spaces
Bathrooms, especially under sinks or around bathtubs
Kitchens and pantries where food residues are present
Attics with old boxes and stored items
Wardrobes containing clothes made of natural fibers

What Are the Signs of a Silverfish Infestation?

Detecting silverfish early can prevent significant damage. You should call our indoor pest control team if you spot any of these signs of an infestation:

Droppings that resemble small black pepper flakes
Shedded skin is often found near their hiding spots
Signs of chewed paper, cardboard, or fabric
Live silverfish scurrying around your home, particularly at night

How to Get Rid of Silverfish in Your Home

Eliminating a silverfish infestation can seem daunting. But with the right techniques, you can reclaim your space. Effective home pest control methods to get rid of silverfish include:

Remove Food Sources – Seal pantry items in airtight containers and immediately clean up food crumbs or spills. This will cut off their primary food supply.
Reduce Humidity – Silverfish thrive in humid environments. Use dehumidifiers or fans to decrease the moisture in your home, particularly in bathrooms, basements, and attics.
Deep Clean Affected Areas – Vacuum corners, closets, and crevices to remove eggs, skin, and droppings. Decluttering stored items will also limit hiding spots.
Use Silverfish Traps – Sticky traps can catch silverfish and help gauge the extent of your infestation. You can find these tools at most hardware stores.
Apply Natural Repellents – Silverfish dislike strong smells like cedar and lavender. Use cedar-infused sprays or lavender-scented sachets in areas where they hide.

Our Silverfish Pest Control Treatment Options

Apex Pest Control provides effective, long-lasting silverfish pest control services in Sacramento. Among our options are:

Chemicals – Chemical treatments are some of the most common ways to kill silverfish. These use insecticides specifically designed to target silverfish and their eggs. Our technicians will carefully assess your infestation level and apply the appropriate chemicals in key areas where silverfish live and hide.
Dusting – This is another popular method for getting rid of silverfish. Dusting involves applying a fine layer of insecticide dust in crevices, cracks, and other areas where silverfish may be present. The dust will cling to their bodies and be carried back to their hiding places, ultimately killing them.
Traps – Traps can also be part of a comprehensive silverfish treatment plan. They use attractants such as food or pheromones to lure silverfish into the trap, where they will become stuck and eventually die.
Prevention Measures – Our experts will recommend prevention measures to keep future infestations at bay.

Simple Tips to Prevent Long-Term Silverfish Problems

Prevention is just as important as elimination when dealing with silverfish. Implementing proven practices and techniques can create a home that’s uninviting to silverfish and other pests. We recommend all our clients use these simple tips to keep silverfish out of their homes for good:

Repair Leaks – Fix dripping faucets or pipes that contribute to humidity.
Seal Cracks – Close gaps or crevices around windows, doors, and baseboards.
Regular Cleaning – Keep your home tidy and store items properly to avoid cluttered hiding spots.
Monitor for Signs – Regularly check common infestation areas for early detection. The sooner you notice a problem; the sooner you can enlist our silverfish pest control treatment options.

Why You Should Choose Apex Pest Control in Sacramento

Apex Pest Control specializes in silverfish pest control treatments to help our customers reclaim their homes. Sacramento residents choose us as their trusted pest experts because of our:

Experienced professionals with proven techniques to eliminate silverfish
Eco-friendly solutions that are safe for kids and pets
Comprehensive inspections to identify and address problem areas effectively
Affordable services with flexible plans tailored to your needs
Reliable expertise in indoor pest control for silverfish and other pests

Contact Our Silverfish Removal Specialists Today

Silverfish don’t have to take over your home. Whether you’re dealing with a small infestation or a full-blown problem, Apex Pest Control has the expertise you need to get rid of these pests. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.