Why Silverfish Invade Phoenix, AZ Homes

Some pests are scary, some pests are annoying, and some are just plain weird. Silverfish might be the strangest-looking bugs that invade Phoenix homes. They aren’t especially dangerous but can cause their share of problems indoors. Learning why silverfish infestations occur can help to protect your property and belongings from needless damage.

Everything You Need To Know About Silverfish

Silverfish have a prehistoric design that hasn’t changed much since the time of the dinosaurs. Their unique tapered shape and long antennae give them an unmistakable look compared to most other home-infesting insects. True to their name, silverfish are gray or silver in color and generally measure between ½ and ¾ of an inch long. While we have a natural tendency to fear strange-looking bugs, silverfish are almost entirely harmless. They don’t bite or sting, and since they don’t have wings, they can’t surprise you with a surprise aerial attack like cockroaches can. Silverfish aren’t known to spread disease or parasites but may cause an allergic reaction for certain individuals. You and your family are safe from harm when it comes to silverfish, but your keepsakes and personal belongings might not be so lucky. Silverfish are surprisingly resilient pests with peculiar appetites, and you could be attracting them to your home without even realizing it.

What Attracts Silverfish To Your Phoenix Home

Moisture, food, and shelter; your home gives a young silverfish everything it needs to live a long, happy life. And with a lifespan of three to six years, your silverfish could be sticking around longer than you think. Cracks in the foundation, tears in screens, and gaps under doors and windows are all ways that silverfish can enter your home, thanks to their flat bodies. An abundance of entry points on the home's exterior can be why many pests, including silverfish, get indoors, but often, silverfish are brought home accidentally. Secondhand boxes and containers are the main source of hitchhiking silverfish. They can hide in the pages of books, in clothing, or amidst other materials stored in basements, attics, and warehouses. And what’s worse, silverfish can reportedly go for up to a year without eating — meaning that once you bring them home, they are eager to feast. Humidity and moisture are desirable to silverfish. Condensation, leaky pipes, dampness, and dripping can cause silverfish to congregate.

Easy Ways To Prevent Silverfish

Silverfish infestations in Phoenix can be difficult to get rid of once they take root. But you can prevent silverfish from infesting your Phoenix home with a few easy tips:

• Inspect secondhand containers. Before you bring home any boxes stored in musty basements or humid attics, check the contents for signs of silverfish. Be sure to look through any paper materials or clothing.

• Clean regularly. Silverfish will eat the crumbs and spills you leave behind. Be sure to clean floors and countertops regularly to keep silverfish and other pests at bay.

• Store food safely. Keep any perishable pantry foods stored in airtight containers with locking lids. Heavy plastic is great, but metal or glass containers also afford protection from pesky household rodents.

• Address moisture issues. Check for any leaking pipes or faucets and fix them as necessary. Open windows, run fans in the basement and attic areas for ventilation or consider installing a dehumidifier.

• Close entry points. Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks and gaps and seal with silicone caulk. Replace faulty weather stripping and door sweeps and repair tears in screens.

Green Home Pest Control Can Safely Solve Your Silverfish Problem

If you’ve got a silverfish problem in your Phoenix home, trust the experts at Green Home Pest Control to help. We use safe, naturally derived products to eliminate silverfish from your home. Contact us today for more information about our silverfish control services and other residential pest control offerings!