Serving Memphis, Cordova, Germantown & Collierville TN
You head into your attic with a box full of Christmas decorations (yes, we know it’s January, and no, we won’t judge). Suddenly, a silverfish darts past your head. Ack! Silverfish are a rather common household pest known to frequent attics and basements … but can they be dangerous to you? Your pest control professionals in Memphis look to answer that question, today on the blog.
What are silverfish?
A silverfish is an insect of the Zygentoma order. Silverfish are small, wingless and similar in shape to a centipede with a color that is light gray or silver – hence their name. Silverfish seek out an environment that is warm and moist, in large part because they are cold blooded and therefore unable to regulate their own body temperature. They prefer conditions where the relative humidity is between 75 and 95 percent. The higher the relative humidity, the more active silverfish will be.
Are silverfish dangerous to humans?
No, silverfish are generally harmless to people. They do not bite, nor are they carriers of disease. People can be allergic to silverfish, but actually suffering an allergic reaction from these insects is incredibly rare.
Why you still should be concerned about a silverfish infestation
While not harmful, silverfish certainly are a nuisance. Since they seek out humid environments with abundant heat and moisture, they tend to congregate in basements and crawl spaces. Silverfish also can find their way into a home through foundational cracks, torn screens or holes surrounding entryways. Or, they may enter a house by tagging along in a box or bag of goods being brought inside.
Once silverfish are in your home, they will consume clothing and bedding as a source of food. If you start noticing strange yellowish stains on your clothes, this can be a sign that silverfish are present wherever those clothes are being stored.
The nuisance of silverfish can get worse in a hurry. Female silverfish can lay up to one hundred eggs in their lifespan, and it can be difficult to see these insects because they tend to be nocturnal.
That said, warning signs of a silverfish infestation include:
- Silverfish droppings, which resemble whole peppercorns given their size and shape
- Any strange markings, holes or notching along the edge of boxes or paper
- Yellow stains on garments
- Yellow dust, which represents the old skin silverfish shed when they molt
Pest control for silverfish in Memphis and Cordova in Tennessee
Given the challenge of identifying silverfish on your own, a pest control company can be invaluable. The technicians at AAA Termite & Pest have the experience and training to identify signs of an infestation of silverfish that may go unnoticed by the normal person. We also have the knowledge to diagnose all sorts of different pest problems. Our company is licensed, bonded and insured. We also carry an A+ rating with the Mid-South Better Business Bureau.
To find out more about our pest control treatments and services, schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our technicians today. Just call our office at (901) 737-7378 or complete the contact form found on our website.