Silverfish thrive in warm and humid environments, which is what makes Alabama the perfect destination for these insects. At EnviroCare, we have years of experience dealing with these small and sneaky insects. If you see silverfish in your central Alabama home, you will need the help of an experienced Birmingham pest control specialist to get rid of them quickly and permanently.
Why Are Silverfish Called Silverfish?
Silverfish get their name from their unique appearance. These tiny insects are about half an inch to an inch long. Despite having six legs, the silverfish has a fish-like body that features a blunt shape at the head and tapers off into a point at the tail. The silverfish's body is covered in metallic silver scales that help to complete its fish-like appearance.
Why You Don't Want Silverfish Hanging Around Your Home
Silverfish like moist and dark areas that are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Because these insects are so small, they are able to hide in some of the most hard-to-access places in your home, which can include:
- Underneath floorboards
- Behind the interior walls of your home
- Dark corners of your attic or basement
- Underneath your sink
- Under boxes and old equipment kept in your garage
Many Birmingham homes stay above 70 degrees all year long, which is why silverfish infestations are a year-round problem in this area.
How Silverfish Find Their Way Into Your Home
Silverfish will commonly enter your home through small crevices and gaps that are found around the doors, windows, and pipes in your home. They like to eat cardboard and other high-starch materials. If they sense that there is a consistent food source inside of your home, they will do their best to come inside.
Some of the things that you can do to prevent silverfish from coming into your home include:
- Use caulking or some other durable material to seal up any cracks or gaps around your home.
- Keep all dry food in an airtight container
- Fix any leaky pipes or faucets around your home
- Use a dehumidifier to keep the air dry in your home
- Create a ventilation system in your attics and crawl spaces
If a silverfish detects a substantial amount of moisture coming from your home, it will try to come inside. Make sure to remove all standing water from in and around your home.
How To Get Rid Of Silverfish For Good
It can be extremely difficult to get rid of silverfish from your home on your own. They are able to hide in some of the most hard-to-reach places and it can be almost impossible to determine if you have eliminated them all.
At EnviroCare, we have been family-owned-and-operated for more than 60 years. We have a vast amount of experience dealing with silverfish in and around Birmingham. If you want to ensure that your silverfish problem is eliminated quickly and permanently, give us a call today!