Silverfish Pest Control in Illinois

Nothing gives you the creeps quite like pulling open a drawer or cupboard to see a little silverfish crawling around inside there with your silverware. 

In addition to the distinct “ick” factor that comes from finding silverfish in your house, these pests can be destructive—infestations should be eradicated. If you spot silverfish in your home, you need silverfish pest control in Illinois.

Silverfish are silver-colored insects that can grow up to one inch long. They are among the oldest insects in the world. Some scientists believe they have survived for about 400 million years and predate even the dinosaurs. Unlike many other insects, silverfish have no wings and continue to shed their skin throughout their adult lives.

Today, silverfish like to invade Illinois homes to find warm places to live and food to eat. They are most active at night and are known for their destructive eating habits and unsettling appearance.

They feed on sugars and starches, which can be found in everything from the glue in books to dead insects and even shampoo. Silverfish aren’t nearly as destructive as termites. They aren’t dangerous to humans like ticks or bed bugs, but they are a nuisance and can cause property damage. Because they have an appetite for adhesives and glues, silverfish in Illinois can ruin book bindings, clothing, wallpaper, and other paper items.

Silverfish can also trigger allergies in some people and may attract other kinds of pests, such as spiders, centipedes, and earwigs, which can move in to feed on them.

How do you know if your home has silverfish? Chances are, if you spot one silverfish, there are or soon will be more. Your home may not be crawling in them yet, but they multiply quickly. You’re most likely to find them living in your bookshelves, cabinets, pantry, and even clothing drawers. 

Look for these signs of a silverfish infestation in Illinois:

• Yellow stains on clothing, books, or wallpaper
• Tiny pepper-like feces
• Holes or damage to wallpaper, books, papers, storage boxes, etc.
• Scales from their shed skin
• Holes in or damage to boxes containing cereals, baking ingredients, or sugary foods

Silverfish can enter your home through gaps in your: 

• Baseboards
• Windowsills
• Plaster
• Roof

Sometimes silverfish are accidentally brought in on used items, in cardboard boxes, or by guests who have silverfish in their homes. They also like to hide and lay eggs in tight spaces. 

To keep silverfish out of your home, seal any holes or gaps you see inside and outside, store your food in airtight containers, and rotate your baking ingredients regularly. Vacuum your carpets and upholstery often, don’t leave food sitting out too long, and have your home inspected and treated for pests at least once a quarter.

If you’ve discovered a silverfish infestation, don’t panic. You aren’t stuck with these creepy crawlers as roommates for life. The sooner you realize they are in your home, the sooner you can get rid of them. Because silverfish are most active at night, infestations can go on for months without being detected.

Some stores sell sprays or traps to get rid of silverfish, but because they are so prolific and good at hiding, it can be hard to get all of them. Your best bet to truly eliminate a silverfish infestation in Illinois is to call a professional. Professional exterminators will help you find silverfish hiding places and get rid of all the bugs.

The American Pest Control Process

Our technicians are trained and experienced at detecting the most subtle signs of infestation. We begin by carefully inspecting moisture-prone areas, cracks, and food sources to discover where the silverfish are hiding so we can target and eliminate the infestation.

We’ll create a treatment plan tailored to the level of infestation and your home’s unique conditions.

Have you found silverfish in your Illinois home? Get a free quote today to see how we can help out. American Pest Control has solutions for all sorts of pests.