Silverfish thrive in the winter. Active Pest Control

Silverfish thrive in the winter.

Credit: Active Pest Control

Winter typically means no bugs, but one particular pest thrives in winter and will ruin your plans to stay pest-free. They are called silverfish, but they aren’t flapping fish.

Rather, they are little slithering critters, ready to eat up anything and everything in your home.

Here’s what to know:

 

What are silverfish?

Silverfish are small, wingless pests with a flat body, long antenna and tiny legs. 

Silverfish get their name from the way their fish-like movements, shape and metallic silver scales.

 

Why are silverfish in your home?

Simple answer: they want food. 

If you have property full of wooden structures, piles or yard waste, silverfish are likely to breed and they may even venture inside your home to find shelter and more food. 

Silverfish are also especially common in the cooler months, unlike other pests that are present in warmer climates. 

“These insects proliferate in moist environments, making the fall and winter seasons their time to thrive,” said experts at Active Pest Control in Locust Grove. 

They love dark and damp areas, and feed on starch or sugar, but if they come inside your home, they are looking for more pesky snacks.

Similar to other pests, they can be found in pantries, bathrooms or kitchens. However, silverfish can be a huge annoyance due to their diet, which consists of just about anything from books, clothing, pasta, bedding and shampoo.

 

Are silverfish harmful?

No, they can’t bite, but they are a nuisance. According to Northwest Exterminating experts, “Their jaws aren’t strong enough to pierce human skin, but they are fast and can usually escape predators fairly quickly.” Silverfish will, however, contaminate food, cause damage around your home and stir up allergies.

 

How can you get rid of silverfish in your home?

Here are some tips to keep your home silverfish-free:

  • Cleaning out closets and cabinets and dusting bookshelves
  • Storing food in airtight containers
  • Removing piles of wet leaves from your yard
  • Using a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces
  • Keeping the perimeter of your home clean and dry
  • Sealing the exterior of your home

 

Have you seen any silverfish in your home? Have tips to get rid of them? Let me know in the comments below or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with Macon Telegraph.

Tags: Georgia  winter  bugs  pest control  critter fixer  insects