Why Silverfish Are Active During Winter

Silverfish are destructive pests that get their name from their steel-like outer shell and fish-like style of moving. While no longer in length than a nickel, they can do serious damage to a home, destroying wooden beams and eating clothes, important documents and expensive works of art.

These pests cause untold damage all throughout the spring and summer; however, if you think that you’re safe from silverfish in the winter, you’re mistaken. Silverfish are nearly just as active in the cold temperatures as in any other time of the year.

Here is why silverfish are resistant to low temperatures, and what you can do to keep them at bay year round.

Why Silverfish Don’t Mind the Winter?

Unlike many other types of pests, silverfish don’t hibernate. They may slow down and go into a state of diapause, where their development in halted, but they are still active.

They are not warm blooded and cannot control their inner body temperature, however, they can alter the composition of their blood and turn in into a sort of antifreeze, which is why they can be found in areas so cold as to seem uninhabitable. Winter does little to deprive them of food, as well, since they mostly feed on the cellulose found in wood, paper and fabrics, and the cold is known to increase condensation, meaning that drinking water is never far away.

Silverfish Prevention Tips

Silverfish prevention in winter is similar to silverfish prevention in spring or summer, and it involves removing both the opportunities and the incentives for them to come inside your home. Firstly, don’t have anything stored up against the side of your house like garbage pails or wood piles, as silverfish can climb on these to make their way inside.

Next, remove excess moisture by fixing leaky pipes and running a dehumidifier to dry your house out. Also, replace any wet or rotting wood you find and store important papers and clothes in airtight containers, preferably away from basements and attics.

Finally, vacuum your carpet and clean your counters thoroughly to eliminate potential food sources. If the silverfish infestation in you house is particularly severe, you may want to consider hiring professionals to inspect and treat your home.

Silverfish are not commonly known pests, but they are just as harmful as termites and carpenter ants. Lucky, protecting your house from them can be done by completing a few simple steps.

For more information, or to receive the highest quality pest control services, contact Orange Environmental Services today!