Winter temperatures will force many pests into hibernation but not silverfish. Silverfish seem to be one pest that becomes more prominent when winter arrives. When it’s time to pull out holiday decorations or hide presents they will catch a ride in and out of attics or garages and into the living areas of our home. The good news is that they are not poisonous and won’t bite.
Do Silverfish Come Out in Winter?
Silverfish are nocturnal and even though they are small they are a bit creepy to come across. They are named silverfish because they have scales that are gray/silver in color. They are half an inch in size with a flat carrot-shaped body. They have six legs, two antennae and three tail like appendages. These pests have thrived for millions of years and do so in any climate. They are also creepy because they like to hang out in cold, dark and damp places like basements, attics and under sinks. Pretty much any spot that has a higher level of humidity within the home. They will also hide well in cracks and cervices. Silverfish don’t hibernate but if conditions aren’t favorable, they may go into a stage of diapause, where they alter their blood composition to form a kind of antifreeze that will prevent them from freezing. You may find them in some of the coldest areas of your home. They are attracted to starches and sugar and will feed on glue, books, carpets, photos, plaster, wall paper and cardboard, dry goods like flour, starch, rolled oats and sugars.
How Do You Keep Silverfish from Coming Back?
One female silverfish can lay up to 3,500 eggs! This fact clearly shows how an infestation can get out of control very quickly. Prevention starts with keeping a clutter free home and vacuuming regularly to make it harder for them to live in your home. Areas with moisture allow them to regulate their body moisture because they can’t control their body temperature so regulating humidity is another way to keep silverfish away. You can do this by using a dehumidifier and taking care of any moisture problems in your home. Use fans and ensure there is proper ventilation in areas you have found silverfish. Protect dry goods in hard plastic, sealed containers. Try some DIY silverfish control by sprinkling boric acid on and around a cracker. Just make sure children or pets can’t get to it. You can make a sticky trap by coating index cards with a paste of flour, water and boric acid. You can also create a spray for cracks and cervices by mixing a 5% solution of boric acid in a bottle.
Silverfish Control
Remember, silverfish do not hibernate and will be active all winter long once inside your home. These pests are more of a nuisance than anything else, but a large infestation can lead to considerable damage to your belongings. If you’re seeing more silverfish in your home this winter, contact A Five Star Termite & Pest Control for help. We can provide you with total silverfish control and any other pests you might be dealing with.
