Silverfish Control the Hearts Pest Management way

Silverfish Biology

Silverfish are small, fast, wingless insects with a steel grey color that gives them their name. They are long and flat with bristly protrusions at their abdomen. For this reason, they are also known as Bristle Tails and Fringetails. Sometimes, they are mistaken for centipedes or millipedes.

Silverfish may eat a variety of foods, but they prefer starchy foods and molds. Although they won’t get rid of mold for the home infected with it, Silverfish may proliferate as a result of mold in the house. Paper is, unfortunately, a very starchy food, and silverfish will consume it if they are allowed to. Maps, documents and books are all at risk from silverfish, especially if they are being kept in the places most likely frequented by silverfish such as basements, attics and garages.

Silverfish Prevention – Protecting Your Valuables

Silverfish can be prevented or reduced simply by reducing or eliminating their food supply and the areas they breed in and frequent. Moisture is important to Silverfish. Controlling moisture in the basement or garage or attic is important. Silverfish like starchy foods – placing your boxed foods in plastic containers will deny them access. Using plastic containers to store things in the garage or attic will also eliminate a food source since cardboard is similar to paper as a food source for Silverfish.

Silverfish Treatment

Hearts Pest Management’s treatment for silverfish is comprehensive and effective. A thorough inspection of your property will ensure that you get the best treatment. Your Hearts Consulting Pest Technician will then treat your home for silverfish and help you develop a program that will protect you from reinfestations in the future. We will work with you to eliminate the Silverfish and treat or remove the source of them.

Silverfish can be treated with localized spraying, dusting and granual treatments. Some times a whole house treatment may be necessary if silverfish are firmly established throughout the home. For inside the home, Deltamethrin in both dust and liquid formulations are an effective means of control.

Pyganic Pro is an organic alternative that eliminates silverfish. Hearts Pest Management has low-toxicity, organic solutions for Silverfish and other insects. Hearts is the first and only pest management company in Southern California that is EcoWise certified.

Silverfish and Firebrats

Silverfish and Firebrats are closely related. There are several species of each, but they all share some common traits.

Silverfish are small (1/2 inch to 1/4 inch) and metallic-gray in color. They have three tails and long antenna. Like all insects, they have six legs. Some species have patches of darker metallic coloring on their backs. Others may have striping. They are fast movers and may jump if surprised or threatened.

Fire Brats are similar to silverfish in many ways, but their markings are different. They have the characteristic three tails and long antenna. They may have a metallic hue, but their color is mottled dark gray against tan or brown.

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