Why Do I Have Silverfish In My Home?

Are you seeing silverfish appearing inside the rooms of your home? Are you wondering how these creepy little pests are getting in? You're not alone. Silverfish make most people scratch their head when they start popping up in unexpected places. But, as you see them more and more, you may begin to notice a pattern. They seem to pop up in places that have a lot of humidity or moisture, places such as the bathroom, laundry room, or basement. This is because these pests are drawn to moisture.

A silverfish, also known as a fishmoth, urban silverfish, or carpet shark is a very small insect with a flattened, slender body. It measures around ½ to 1 inch in length and it is light grey and blue but, since it has a shimmery quality, it often appears silver (thus the name). The other part of its name, no doubt, came about because of its way of slithering across surfaces in a fish-like motion. Although these creepy creatures are disturbing to encounter, it is important to note that they are not just disturbing, they are also damaging to belongings.

Why Are Silverfish Drawn To Homes?

The same way you will find silverfish in moist/humid places inside your home, you will also find them in moist/humid places around the outside of your home. So, anyplace that traps moisture on the ground is a great place for silverfish to hang out. Here are some of the things that will draw silverfish onto your property and possibly right up next to your home.

• Leaf piles that are moist on the bottom. If you have leaves that have been sitting awhile, silverfish (and other moisture pests) will love you for it. And the closer these piles are to your home, the more likely these pests may find their way inside.
• Heavily weeded areas that contain moisture. Thick weeds create shade, and shade does not allow the sun to get in and dry out soil after it rains. This is another place silverfish will hide.
• Wood lying on the ground. Items such as firewood, construction materials, or other wooden objects that are directly on the ground are great places for silverfish and other pests to hang out. Not only moisture-loving pests but also rodent pests such as mice and rats.
• Any object that prevents the ground from drying. Large rocks, tarps, toys; these are just a few things that could keep the ground moist and be a harborage for silverfish.
• Mulch. Mulch is a favorite place for moisture pests.
• Leaky spigots or clogged or broken gutters. If you have water running down the outside of your home, or water collecting in the soil, this will create conditions that silverfish love. Beyond this, it can also cause the wood on your home to soften, which will make it easier for pests to chew their way in.

Once silverfish are on your property, and up close to your home, they can find ways into your home. If you have any gaps, cracks, or holes in your exterior walls, possibly due to moisture damage, silverfish will find their way inside. But there are some practical steps you can take in order to discourage and prevent silverfish from coming in close and entering your home.

Silverfish Prevention Tips

• Remove leaf piles and weedy areas that contain moisture.
• Move firewood, construction materials, and any other wood, well away from your home and up off the ground.
• Trim back vegetation from your foundation. This will dry up moist areas as well as remove "bridges" that pests use to get to your home.
• Replace mulch with a dryer material such as crushed rock.
• Inspect the outside of your home and seal up any gaps, cracks or holes you find, using a caulking gun.
• Dry up any areas inside your home using fans and/or dehumidifiers.

American Pest has been assisting folks with pest problems since 1925. If you are dealing with silverfish inside your home, don't hesitate to call for help. Our educated pest professionals have the knowledge, the tools, and the expertise to get rid of your silverfish problem in no time at all. Give us a call today.