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What Are These Little Silver Bugs Inside My Charlotte Home?

Silverfish, harmless but damaging pests, invade homes in extreme weather conditions, hiding in dark, moist areas. They cause damage to furnishings and food, requiring preventive measures and professional assistance from companies like Aruza Pest Control for effective eradication.

What are silverfish? Often mistaken for firebrats, silverfish (Lespisma sacchrina) are insects that belong to the order Zygentoma (formerly Thysanura) that will infiltrate homes and irritate people. Silverfish have “bristle-like” tails known as appendages that are connected to their abdominal region. They are aptly named for their metallic appearance and odd “fish-like” way that they move their bodies. 

close up of silverfish

Adults sometimes reach lengths of roughly ¾ of an inch and have long antennae that may equal or surpass the length of their body. In the Carolinas, various species exist, including the common silverfish, four-lined silverfish, and grey silverfish. These creatures might also appear in shades of white or grey.

Silverfish generally prefer temperatures that range from between 70 and 85 degrees and high humidity levels that exceed 70%. Despite these environmental preferences, silverfish are survivors that have been known to survive for a week or more without sources of food or water. In nature, these unsightly pests prefer dark places with sufficient moisture, and when in yards, they are often found near gardens and will attempt to move indoors when weather conditions are extreme.

Fortunately, silverfish pose no legitimate risks to human health. As largely nocturnal creatures, they tend to remain hidden during the daytime within cracks, crevices, and beneath objects.

Are you among those wondering what the best way to get rid of silverfish is? Fortunately, licensed pest controllers have various options for silverfish removal that are both safe and effective.

What Is This Silver Bug In My Charlotte Bathroom?

What are silverfish doing indoors? Silverfish can maneuver their bodies indoors through small openings, such as cracks that develop near the base of the structure. Keep in mind that these pests are sometimes brought indoors within bags, boxes, potted plants, and more.

They might be particularly attracted to bathrooms and other similar areas that commonly have water. Silverfish may be drawn to cooler areas in a home during the warmer months, such as basements and crawlspaces.

Knowing what silverfish eat is a critical aspect of learning how to prevent them. Some of the most common things that silverfish eat include grains, sugars, carbohydrates, paper products, and much more.

Do Silverfish In Charlotte Bite?

Silverfish are not dangerous pests and will not bite, sting, or spread diseases. Instead, they are largely seen as a nuisance that is encountered at times.

The Damage Silverfish Can Do In Your Charlotte Home

One source of problems associated with silverfish is that they may consume furnishings and belongings such as wallpaper, books, and more. They may also contaminate food, particularly dried foods that are stored in pantry areas.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Silverfish In Your Charlotte Home

We have several suggestions to help you with your silverfish problem:

  • Remember to check boxes, bags, potted plants, and firewood for these or other pests before bringing them indoors.
  • Closely inspect the exterior areas near the foundation for any cracks or crevices that might be points of entry and fill them with a durable caulk or sealant.
  • Place door sweeps on exterior doors, fix damaged screens, and apply weatherstripping to any gaps around windows.
  • Keep branches, weeds, and shrubs trimmed back away from the property’s exterior.
  • Limit sources of water by keeping gutter systems clear, fixing leaky spigots, and using dehumidifiers in crawlspaces when needed.
  • Adhere to good cleaning habits, including sweeping up crumbs, vacuuming, and reducing unnecessary clutter.

Too many property owners in Charlotte attempt to do-it-yourself options for silverfish removal. The majority of the store-bought sprays, traps, and other products are ineffective and simply result in further aggravation.

Experienced Local Pest Control Company

Did you know that the pest control professionals with Aruza Pest Control also assist property owners that are struggling with invasions from rodents, ants, termites, and a host of other unwanted pests? Contact the office today for reliable pest control in Charlotte and request a consultation.

Ian Gunn

Graduated from UNC Charlotte, Ian Gunn is an expert in all things pest. After receiving his bachelors of science, he got a job offer with Aruza Pest Control and assists with marketing, networking, and occasionally doing some pest control of his own!

Pest Control, The Aruza Way

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