We often see several insects scurrying across the floor and up the walls because many of them could care less whether or not they’re seen. However, other insects, like silverfish, try not to be seen. So you may have them secretly living in your home and not even know it. In addition, silverfish are nocturnal, so the fact that they’re active when you are sleeping is another reason.

At Titan Pest & Wildlife, we offer a variety of interior and exterior pest control solutions. We understand that there aren’t any one-size-fits-all solutions when it comes to pests. We customize our plans to the specific requirements of each home or business and ensure that your needs and expectations are met with care and professionalism.

What Are Silverfish?

Silverfish get their name from their appearance – they are silvery metallic colored and have a fish-like shape. Some people call them bristletails because they have three long, tail-like appendages on the end of their bodies. They are found throughout the U.S. and prefer to live in moist, dark, humid areas like bathrooms, basements, and attics. Because they like to hide from humans, the damage they cause may go unnoticed for some time.

Signs of a Silverfish Infestation

Silverfish can live almost anywhere, so it’s not unlikely that they’re in your home. There are a few signs to look for; some of these include:

• Seeing live silverfish – This seems obvious, but if they’re out and about, there may be more in your home than you realize.
• Fecal matter – Their droppings are easy to identify. They resemble small, black peppercorns and will be in the areas they frequent.
• Shed skin – Throughout their life cycle, they shed their skin. The outer shells are tiny and delicate.
• Yellow stains or dust – They leave yellowish dust on their crawl surfaces as they molt. You may see these stains on paper, books, or other paper products where they have been.
• Damage – This may be the most obvious sign to look for. Silverfish love to eat sugars, starches, books, papers, wallpaper, adhesives, and sometimes linens. If you notice holes chewed through these items, you might have a silverfish infestation.

How to Get Rid of Silverfish

You can do several proactive things to discourage silverfish from entering your home. One of the best ways is to control humidity levels in your house. Silverfish prefer to live in areas with 75-95% humidity. That may sound high, but humidity levels in St. Louis, especially in summer, reach this level. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers are essential for making your home less attractive to silverfish. It’s also a good idea to quickly fix leaky faucets and pipes and eliminate any standing water.

Another good suggestion is to store items in plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes. One of the silverfish’s favorite things is cardboard. This is a good idea for preventing other pests, like roaches and mice, from entering your house.

If these preventative measures have not worked and silverfish are a persistent problem, contact Titan Pest & Wildlife. We offer a variety of interior and exterior pest control solutions. We understand that there aren’t any one-size-fits-all solutions for silverfish. We customize our plans to the specific requirements of each home or business and ensure that your needs and expectations are met with care and professionalism.

Integrated Pest Management System

Pest control is essential whether you want to protect your home or business. Utilizing an integrated pest management program ensures we eliminate your current pests and prevent future outbreaks. These methods include:

• Planning – We thoroughly inspect your home or facility, considering any factors contributing to current or future pest issues. Then, we will create a customized treatment program specifically designed for your situation.
• Initial pest control service – Our initial visit will focus on targeting and eliminating any current pest problems you have. We will ensure that any future issues are a matter of pest prevention.
• Regularly scheduled service – At Titan Pest & Wildlife, we provide preventative maintenance programs to ensure your home or business is and remains completely pest-free.

Contact Titan Pest & Wildlife

At Titan Pest & Wildlife, you will find the answer to all your pest control needs. You can expect the best pest protection with customized services created by highly trained pest management technicians. Our highly experienced team uses safe and highly effective pest extermination methods. Contact us today, and let us help you keep your home free of silverfish!