Silverfish are insects from possibly as far back as the late Silurian Period — for the less scientifically inclined, they’re perhaps over 400 million years old. Their historied origin doesn’t make them any less annoying.

These creatures aren’t too harmful but will damage things in your home. Many Elk Grove residents may have tried dealing with these creatures but weren’t sure how without useful pest management advice. 

The best way to deal with an infestation is to hire professionals. However, there are steps you can take to prevent silverfish damage. Below are some DIY Elk Grove pest control tips. 

Discussing Silverfish: What You Should Know

Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are called such because they have shiny silver bodies and look like fish. Adult silverfish are long (10 millimeters or about 0.4 inches), flat, and oval-shaped. 

These nocturnal insects have bodies segmented like millipedes and centipedes. Silverfish’s bodies are separated into three distinct parts:

• Head
• Thorax
• Abdomen

These silvery insects have two antennae but no wings. Silverfish have six legs and three tail protrusions at the end of their tapered bodies.

Their most distinct feature is their small, silvery scales. Female silverfish can lay eggs daily once they reach adulthood — possibly hundreds in optimal conditions.

Said eggs can hatch in weeks. Young silverfish (nymphs) look like their adult counterparts, the only difference is they’re smaller and white. 

The nymphs reach adulthood within a few months. Generally, silverfish have life expectancies of two years and can go long periods without food, thanks to their slow metabolism. 

Preferred Silverfish Habitats

Knowing your enemy helps you defeat them. That’s why our first few silverfish prevention tips involve identifying them and where they like to hide. 

These creatures prefer damp, dark, and cool places. Here’s a list of where they commonly thrive: 

• Basements
• Sinks
• Closet shelves
• Bathtubs
• Behind baseboards
• Behind windows
• Behind doorframes
• Bookcases

Here’s some important home pest control advice: silverfish lay their eggs in cracks and crevices. If a location is hidden and there’s a chance moisture can infiltrate, you can assume these insects are hiding there. 

What Do Silverfish Like to Eat?

Silverfish are much less destructive than insects like termites because they don’t cause structural damage to your home. They don’t eat wood or drywall. What they do consume includes: 

• Flour
• Rolled oats
• Dried meats
• Cardboard
• Paper
• Glue
• Books
• Cereals
• Vegetables
• Dead insects

It’s not uncommon for these bugs to enter homes via cardboard boxes and cartons from infested areas. Do not keep cardboard boxes or cartons for longer than needed. 

Are Silverfish Harmful?

Silverfish don’t typically bite people or pets. They have weak jaws, so if they tried biting you, it would feel more like a gentle scraping against your skin.

You may have heard that, like earwigs, silverfish crawl into people’s ears. Neither creature does this. However, “less dangerous than termites” doesn’t mean “not dangerous at all.”

These ancient insects can contaminate your food, via their feces. Check food for bugs if you’ve seen silverfish nearby. Discard anything with the insects in it. 

Silverfish may not cause structural damage, but they can eat through various items within your home. Their feces may stain walls and other surfaces.

Silverfish Prevention Tips

We’ve listed plenty of Elk Grove pest control methods for preventing silverfish. The first is keeping things dry. Dehumidifiers will remove moisture from the air and make your house less hospitable for silverfish.

The second of our silverfish infestation solutions is to seal cracks and gaps with weatherstripping or caulking so silverfish can’t enter your home or lay their eggs. Remember to check for gaps in: 

• Baseboards
• Windows
• Doors

The third prevention method on our list is to keep food in airtight containers and off the ground. Do your best to avoid cardboard storage, as the insects may not infest an area if cut off from a food source. 

Boric Acid 

Boric acid is a naturally occurring pesticide that will kill adult silverfish and their eggs. Spread the boric acid in affected areas and vacuum it the next morning. You may have to repeat the process until the insects are gone. 

Cedar Shavings

The great thing about using cedar shavings is that they’ll smell good to you, but the silverfish can’t stand the scent. You can use cedar hangers for your clothes and to spread the smell in your closet. 

Cedar shavings are an option, but you should know they can make a mess. We advise using them in areas you don’t mind getting messy, like basements and outdoor areas. 

You’re welcome to use the cedar shavings in your closet or room corners if you feel it’s necessary. Vacuum the and redistribute fresh shavings at least once a week.

Citrus Fruits

You can place citrus — orange or lemon — peels where you suspect the bugs are. Remember to change the peels every so often. Citrus peels can mold when they aren’t dried properly. 

Repellant Sprays

If you don’t want to bother with shavings, mix cedar oil with water and spray it into cracks and crevices. You can create a citrus spray with lemon juice and water. You can use these non-toxic sprays where silverfish may be.

Keeping Your Home Clean

Cleanliness is a general tip pest control services throughout Elk Grove would tell you. Silverfish love eating your things, so it helps when you reduce clutter and vacuum regularly. 

Place important items in plastic containers to keep them safe. Make sure these containers seal tightly, they’re pointless if the silverfish can still enter them. 

Protect Your Home With Elk Grove Pest Control

Silverfish may not be as structurally detrimental as termites or as disgusting cockroaches, but they are still harmful invaders. We felt it prudent to offer pest management advice on preventing an infestation. 

Of course, once an infestation is underway, you’ll need capable Elk Grove pest control services. Fast Action Pest Control has served homeowners and businesses throughout Northern California for over 15 years. 

You can trust our expert team to handle your pest issues quickly while providing expert results. Contact us today to schedule your free inspection!