Contrary to popular belief, Silverfish can be found in homes and businesses during the winter months in addition to the warmer ones. When the temperatures drop, Silverfish move indoors in search of stable warmth, moisture, and food sources, all of which can easily be found in Tampa homes.
As the most trusted Tampa pest control service company, the team at Nvirotect Pest Control Services wants to help you recognize the early warning signs that can help prevent a minor issue from becoming a widespread one.
Why Do Silverfish Become More Active Indoors During Wintertime?
Silverfish thrive in dark, humid environments and are highly sensitive to temperature changes. When outdoor conditions become cooler or drier during the winter months, Silverfish tend to migrate inside where the heat and humidity levels are more consistent.
It also does not help that homes tend to accumulate cardboard boxes, stored books, and paper products during this time of year, all of which are highly attractive to Silverfish. They feed on starches and proteins found in common household materials. The glue used in book bindings, cardboard boxes, wallpaper, and paper products is actually a primary food source for them.
How Can I Tell If Silverfish Are in My Home?
Even if you have not put much thought into specifically looking for Silverfish in your home, there are still clear indicators to keep an eye out for during the winter months:
- Sightings of small, silver or gray insects with a tapered body and quick, fish-like movement, most often seen at night
- Irregular damage to books, magazines, documents, or stored papers
- Yellow staining or surface scraping on paper materials and cardboard boxes
- Small black droppings that resemble coarse pepper near baseboards, shelves, or storage areas
- Shed skins
Does Cardboard Storage Increase the Risk of Silverfish in My Home?
Excess cardboard storage is one of the strongest reasons why a home may develop a Silverfish problem. To these insects, cardboard boxes are both shelter and food, which make them especially attractive during winter months. Spaces and rooms like garages, attics, and spare closets filled with cardboard boxes create perfect dark, undisturbed environments where Silverfish can thrive.
If you are currently storing seasonal decorations, paperwork, or unused household items in cardboard containers, Nvirotect Pest Control Services recommends using plastic storage bins with tight-fitting lids as a safer alternative.
How to Prevent Silverfish During the Winter Months
Ultimately, reducing moisture in your home is one of the most effective ways to limit Silverfish activity. Using dehumidifiers, repairing leaks, and improving ventilation can make indoor environments less appealing. The Nvirotect Pest Control Services team also recommends decluttering any storage areas in your home, as well as minimizing your cardboard use, to significantly reduce any potential food sources and hiding spots.
Regular inspections of storage areas, especially during winter, can help identify early signs before damage becomes extensive. Seeking out the best pest control in Tampa from Nvirotect Pest Control Services can also help you find and effectively treat hidden Silverfish populations in your home.
Professional Silverfish Control Solutions With Nvirotect Pest Control Services
Silverfish can be difficult to get rid of without professional intervention. Nvirotect Pest Control Services is proud to offer Green-Certified and targeted Tampa pest control service specifically designed to address the root causes of Silverfish activity in your home.
Take the first step today and address your Silverfish problems early to protect your valuable belongings and protect your home this winter season.
If you are seeking out treatment for Silverfish in your home, do not settle for average. For the best pest control in Tampa, call us today at 813.968.7031 or complete our contact request form for a competitive quote.
