Did you guess the Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina)?
Silverfish
They are small wingless insects that are able to run very fast. They get their name from their silvery metallic color and the way the wiggle like a fish out of water. They have a prehistoric appearance, with segmented bodies and long legs and antennae.
Size
They have long antennae and generally don’t get bigger than ¾ of an inch long.
Sneaky
They tend to show up inside our favorite books or on the bathroom floor in the middle of the night.
Lifespan
They typically live for two to eight years.
Eating Habits
Silverfish like to eat starchy foods, and open containers of flour and other dry goods will attract them. They also love to eat paper, cardboard, glue, clothing and fabric.
Habitat
Silverfish can live up to a year without food but require a high humidity environment. They move fast and are typically nocturnal. They are found throughout the U.S. and are attracted to moist, humid areas in your home such as bathrooms, basements and attics.
Harmful?
Mostly a nuisance because they contaminate food and damage paper goods such as wallpaper and books. Silverfish don’t bite, and they are not carriers of disease, so they aren’t a danger to you, your family, or your pets.
Damage?
Silverfish eat cotton, wood, silk and rayon-based fabrics so if you find small holes in clothing or yellow stains, you probably have Silverfish in your closet and home. They are a threat to books, important papers and clothing.
How Do You Know?
You’ll find silverfish hanging out in dark and damp places. Look for tiny black droppings or empty shells from shedding their skins and you’ll know that they have invaded your home. It’s easy for the population to grow inside of your house without your realizing it.
If you start to see signs of Silverfish, call in the experts to make sure they don’t multiple and cause major damage.
Drive-Bye Exterminators offers home and commercial pest control services in Clearwater, Florida, and the surrounding areas. Family owned and operated for over 25 years, Drive-Bye Exterminators has state certified inspectors and exterminators provide roach, subterranean termite, dry wood termite, roaches, spider, ant and flea services to both commercial and residential clients. Whether a business owner needs help getting rid of a termite infestation, or a homeowner wants to rid their kitchen of ants, Drive-Bye Exterminators offers each client the same level of professionalism and excellence.
Request a FREE Pest Control or Termite Inspection today with the Professionals of Drive-Bye Exterminators. Contact Us Today at 727-787-2127.
