Is It Dangerous To Have Silverfish In My Boston Home?

As a homeowner, you have to deal with pest problems from time to time. This is a common but rather frustrating part of homeownership, but you might be more familiar with some pests than others. 

Pests such as flies, ants, and beetles are rather common, and you might know a lot about them. Other pests, like silverfish, might be harder to identify. Silverfish are a small insect with a rather strange appearance. They are considered to be a primitive insect which is probably why they look like fossils come to life.

They also have the following characteristics:

• They are usually silver but can be brown.
• They are about ¾ of an inch long.
• They have long, narrow bodies that taper off.
• They have long antennae and no wings.
• They have three long appendages from the end of their bodies.

Despite their rather-off putting appearance, silverfish are generally considered a nuisance pest. They can also be found in almost any climate in the United States, but they thrive in humid, dark areas making basements, kitchen cabinets, and bathrooms in your Boston home particularly appealing. 

Are Silverfish Dangerous Or Destructive?

Silverfish are a pest that isn't known to cause any health concerns for humans or pets. While they might look a bit scary, they can’t bite or sting you. They also aren’t known to spread any diseases that can harm you or your pets, and they are not known to cause any allergic reactions or asthma attacks. However, you should still throw away any food they come into contact with as it’s considered unsanitary.

The other concern with some pests is that they can cause property damage. Silverfish are actually able to do a small amount of property damage, but they won’t harm the structural components of your home. They do like to chew and eat things with sugars and carbohydrates, so they can destroy books, wallpaper, and pantry items such as cereal.

Some Simple Ways To Prevent Silverfish

The best way to prevent silverfish in your home and protect the home from minor property damage is to address the elements that attract them in the first place. Silverfish may hitchhike into your home on items that come inside or find their way in through entry points. To help reduce the likelihood of a silverfish problem, be aware of the following issues:

• Make sure that any second-hand books or cardboard boxes you bring inside aren’t already infested.
• Addressing underlying moisture issues by fixing leaky plumbing
• Use dehumidifiers to help get rid of water in damp areas.
• Keep crawl, spaces, attics, and basements well-ventilated to further reduce humidity. 
• Store books and old papers in dry places.
• Get rid of any boxes, books, wallpaper, etc. that have been water damaged.
• Inspect your home for entry points. Look specifically around window and door frames. Seal openings with a caulking compound. 
• Contact pest control professionals for advice.

Control Silverfish With Help From The Professionals

While silverfish may not be dangerous or particularly destructive, their disgusting appearance is a good enough reason to want them out of your property immediately. Furthermore, as their population grows in number, you may become more motivated to get them out of your Boston home. Any pest infestation can become invasive and difficult to remove if left unchecked. So, the best way to prevent and eliminate silverfish from your Boston home is to contact the experts at Urbanex Pest Control. We are committed to providing quality, affordable pest control that you can rely on. To learn more about our silverfish control programs, contact one of our representatives today. 

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