Silverfish are small insects that are quite common across New Jersey and the Northeast more generally. Female silverfish are able to lay eggs during any season, and adults can live off of anything that contains either starch or polysaccharides, including paper, photos, book bindings, and even wallpaper glue. As a result, it is not uncommon for Silverfish in Marlboro NJ to infest homes, leaving homeowners desperate for a solution.
Silverfish are small in size, with adults ranging from half an inch to an inch in length. Their flat, silver bodies feature three bristles protruding from the abdomen, and they resemble fish when they move, helping to explain their name. Any homeowner who is concerned about silverfish infestations can take a moment to familiarize themselves with these insects by reading the article below.
Are They Dangerous?
While silverfish do not bite or sting and are not known for spreading any diseases, they can become quite a nuisance when they choose to take up residence inside of homes. They can cause substantial damage to possessions kept within the house, and even to the house itself, and leave behind droppings and scales that can be difficult to clean up.
What Predisposes a House to Silverfish Infestations?
Since silverfish require high levels of humidity to thrive, infestations are most common in homes that have leaky roofs or basements or other sources of excessive humidity. They commonly congregate in basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and areas that are predisposed to large amounts of moisture but can spread throughout the home if they are not kept in check.
What Can Homeowners Do to Control Them?
Unfortunately, silverfish are nocturnal, which makes them difficult to find, let alone control. Signs of infestation include holes in the materials they are eating and noticeable etching along their surfaces. Homeowners who notice these signs or have begun to notice small scales or droppings should call an exterminator like Freehold Pest Control that has dedicated experience dealing with this particular kind of infestation.
How Can Reinfestation be Prevented?
Once an exterminator has successfully eradicated a population of Silverfish in Marlboro NJ, homeowners should take preventative measures to ensure they do not return. While lowering humidity levels by fixing any leaks in roofs, windows, doors, and basements can go a long way toward preventing an infestation, only routine inspections from a pest control specialist can guarantee these insect pests will not come back.
