If you saw a silver, fish-shaped bug racing across your bathroom floor, there is a good chance it was a silverfish bug. These little pests love moist, dark places, and bathrooms are high on their list of preferred areas. They can move fast when they want to. You’ll also frequently find these bugs in your basement, attic, and kitchen. So, if you see a fast-moving silver bug in these areas—yup, you guessed it—you probably have silverfish.
How to Identify a Silverfish Bug
How to identify a Silverfish.
A silverfish (Lepisma saccharinum) has a carrot-shaped or teardrop body that tapers at the end, measures up to ¾ of an inch in length, and is covered in silvery, metallic-looking scales. They have three long bristles at their rear and move with a fish-like wriggle, which is how they got their name. Identifying these characteristics can help you confirm if that “little silver bug” you spotted is indeed a silverfish bug.
Why Are Silverfish In My House?
A silverfish infestation often begins with water damage. If you have these little pests running around on your bathroom floor, you may have a bigger problem than icky bugs scaring you when you flick the light on during a midnight bathroom visit.
These pests could be a warning sign. If you have gutters that aren’t working properly or water accumulating near your basement walls after it rains, it can damage the wood of your home. When areas begin to rot, pests such as the silverfish exploit those entry points and come into your home.
Can I Get Silverfish In The Winter?
Yes! Here are a few things you should know about these little silver bugs that have chosen your house to hide in through the winter:
- They Don’t Hibernate: If you have silverfish bugs in your cozy home, they are going to be active all winter long.
- Diapause State: Though they don’t truly hibernate, silverfish can go into a state called diapause, where their development is paused due to unfavorable conditions, like cold temperatures or limited food sources.
- Cold Resistance: Silverfish are cold-blooded creatures that cannot control their body temperature. However, during diapause, they can alter their blood composition to create a type of antifreeze, helping them survive in colder areas of your home.
What Should I Do About Silverfish?
Silverfish won’t harm you—they don’t sting or bite—but seeing them inside your home is not something you should ignore. A professional inspection is important because it accomplishes two things:
- Identify Entry Points: A pest technician can determine how these pests are getting inside. If there is a rotted area letting them in, you can address that issue before it worsens.
- Assess Structural Issues: If the silverfish are entering through gaps in your foundation, torn screens, missing door sweeps, damaged weather stripping, or other small openings, a professional will help you seal these vulnerabilities.
Can I Take Care of Silverfish On My Own?
When you see a silverfish bug, avoid the urge to crush it. Crushing can stain light-colored surfaces. Instead, consider the following tips:
- Reduce Humidity: Silverfish thrive in moist environments. Install a dehumidifier in your basement and run the fan in the bathroom during and after showers. Avoid leaving wet towels or clothing on the floor.
- Proper Maintenance: Fixing leaks, improving ventilation, and maintaining gutters can help prevent silverfish from finding their way in.
While these measures can help make your home less inviting to silverfish, effective control often requires someone with pest management experience. A trained professional can treat adult bugs, locate harborages, seal entry points, and monitor for new activity.
Professional Pest Control for Silverfish Bugs
Protect your home and family from silverfish bugs, as well as a host of other household pests, with ongoing pest services like those provided by Moyer Pest Control. When you have year-round pest management:
- You don’t have to wonder if unseen damage is happening to your home.
- You don’t have to worry about pest-related health concerns.
- You gain peace of mind knowing that any new pest activity will be promptly addressed.
Give us a call at 215.799.2010 or fill out the form below, and we will contact you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Silverfish Bugs
Q: Do Silverfish Bugs Cause Damage to My Belongings?
A: Silverfish can feed on items containing starches and carbohydrates, such as books, wallpaper glue, and fabrics. Over time, they can cause minor damage to these materials.
Q: Are Silverfish Bugs Harmful to Humans or Pets?
A: Silverfish do not bite or spread diseases. They are primarily a nuisance pest.
Q: How Quickly Can a Professional Solve a Silverfish Infestation?
A: A professional’s timeline varies depending on the severity of the infestation. However, professional inspections, treatments, and follow-up services typically lead to effective management over a relatively short period.
Q: Can I Prevent Silverfish Bugs from Coming Back?
A: Yes. By addressing moisture issues, sealing entry points, and working with a pest control professional for ongoing maintenance, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of future infestations.
Q: What Are the Signs of a More Serious Silverfish Infestation?
A: Besides spotting live silverfish, homeowners may notice yellowish stains on paper goods or small notches in wallpaper, book bindings, and stored fabrics. Consistent sightings, particularly in multiple areas of the home, can indicate a larger problem.
Q: Do Silverfish Bugs Come Out at a Particular Time of Day?
A: Silverfish are nocturnal, meaning they are more active at night. You may rarely see them during the day, which can make detecting an infestation slightly more challenging.
Updated: December 2024