Silverfish – The Unwanted Tampa Houseguests

The warm, humid weather in Tampa is great and enjoyable to us, but unfortunately this type of weather also attracts a wide range of pests. One of the most common pests which pest control companies get calls about is silverfish. Silverfish are small, silver-grayish colored insects which get their name because their movements are similar to those of a fish. Silverfish adore the warm, humid conditions of Florida and can usually be spotted in cupboards, basements, laundry rooms, attics and bathrooms. Silverfish are eerie looking insects which can send a shiver down the spine of even the bravest person and unfortunately, they are difficult to get rid of unless you have a professional pest control service treat for them.

The Lifespan & Diet of Silverfish

One of the reasons it is essential to hire pest control companies to treat for silverfish is because a female silverfish often lays as many as 60 eggs each breeding. The eggs usually hatch in approximately two months and silverfish have a life span of two to eight years. Their diet consists of mostly sugars and starches, but can also include glue, paper and natural fibers. Although silverfish typically do not find their way into your food items, they can wreak havoc on books, photographs and other paper memorabilia.

Do Silverfish Cause Other Pest Infestation?

The short answer is… absolutely. There are many predators of the silverfish, so an infestation of silverfish is an invitation for spiders, earwigs, centipedes and other insects to also invade your home. Without the proper pest control to get rid of silverfish, you will soon have an infestation of a variety of other insects can be even more difficult to get rid of. Although silverfish are not dangerous because they don’t bite or sting, their predators however, such as certain spiders, do bite.

Silverfish can get into the smallest cracks and crevices, lay their eggs and continue to dine on your belongings until they are eliminated. If silverfish find their way into the cupboards, it is possible for them to contaminate the food through their droppings. Tampa homeowners who try to get rid of a silverfish infestation on their own typically find that the do-it-yourself pest control products only provide a temporary fix for the infestation. It is also harmful to use pesticides without knowing the type of chemicals you are using. The best way to get rid of a silverfish infestation is by contacting pest control companies, like Chet’s Termite & Pest Management, who have the experience and the equipment to completely rid our homes of a variety of unwelcome invaders.