Silverfish Control in Seattle

How to Get Rid of Silverfish in Your Home

Silverfish are nocturnal insects that are between 1 and 2 inches long. They have two long antennae, six legs, two compound eyes, and a long, thin body. They are typically silver or gray in color, but some species may have yellow or brown bodies. Silverfish are omnivorous, eating whatever food sources are available to them. They are known to feed on book bindings, cardboard, paper, and even dead insects. They are also known to feed on plants and fungi.

The most common species of silverfish found in homes is the firebrat, or Herreraea cincta. Firebrats are often confused with silverfish, but they are a different species. Firebrats are usually brown or yellow in color.

If you live in Seattle, United Pest Solutions can help you get rid of silverfish in your home.

Signs You Have Silverfish

Silverfish have a unique life cycle that makes them difficult to get rid of. Silverfish eggs hatch into what is known as a "nymphal stage." During this stage, the silverfish is very small, ranging from 1/8 of an inch to 1/4 of an inch in length. Nymphs look very similar to adults, except they are smaller and have no wings. Nymphs are often mistaken for another common household insect, the fruit fly.

After several molts, the nymph will become an adult. Silverfish can live up to 3 years, and can go through several molts during their life. Silverfish can lay between 30 and 60 eggs at once, and these eggs can hatch in as little as 10 days. This fast reproduction cycle makes it difficult to get rid of silverfish.

Some signs you have silverfish in your home include:

• Damaged books and paper products
• Damaged cardboard boxes
• Small holes in walls and ceilings
• Small droppings that are shaped like commas
• Wings of moths or flies stuck to windows

Silverfish are nocturnal insects. This means they are most active at night. If you hear rustling sounds in your walls or ceilings at night, or if you see small droppings in your home during the day, you may have a silverfish infestation.

How to Get Rid of Silverfish

Because of their unique life cycle, it can be difficult to get rid of silverfish. Silverfish eggs hatch into nymphs, which go through several molts before turning into adults. During each of these life stages, they are vulnerable to different methods of pest control.

Here are some tips for getting rid of silverfish:

• Clean up food and crumbs from counters and floors
• Seal cracks and crevices where silverfish can enter
• Clean up any food sources
• Find and seal any potential entry points
• Hire a professional pest control technician

Firebrats are often confused with silverfish. Firebrats are a different species of insect, and are often more difficult to get rid of. If you are unsure what insect you have in your home, contact a professional pest control technician who can identify the pest and recommend the best course of action.

Hiring a Professional Pest Control Technician

Hiring a professional pest control technician is the best way to get rid of silverfish or firebrats in your home. A professional pest control technician has access to the best products and methods of pest control. They can identify the pest in your home and recommend the best course of action. A professional pest control technician can also inspect your home and recommend ways to keep pests out of your home in the future.

If you would like to schedule a silverfish service appointment with United Pest Solutions, call (888) 880-3374 or complete our online contact form.