Name: Twin Forks Pest Control®
Address: 30 County Road 39A, Southampton, NY, 11968
Telephone: (631) 287-9020

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(631) 287-9020

Your Local Silverfish Exterminators

Serving Southold & Southampton

Small, shiny gray insects that scatter when you flip on the lights are probably silverfish. These moisture-loving pests thrive in damp areas and feed on everyday items like paper, fabric, and glue. Taking steps to reduce humidity and seal up food sources is key to keeping them under control.

In Southold and Southampton, silverfish are more active during rainy periods. Their presence typically rises in the fall and winter, when moisture indoors is higher. Although they don’t harm people or pets, their quick movements can be unnerving.

If silverfish invade your home, Twin Forks Pest Control® offers expert solutions. Our technicians locate the infestation’s source and implement proven methods to remove the pests and prevent future problems.

Is Your Home Infested with Silverfish?

Silverfish are easily recognized by their sleek, metallic bodies and quick, darting movements, similar to their aquatic namesake. These small, wingless insects grow up to three-quarters of an inch long and rely on their long antennae to navigate dark, humid areas. They commonly hide in basements, bathrooms, and poorly ventilated storage rooms.

In Southold and Southampton, the damp climate provides ideal conditions for silverfish to survive for several years. Their diet primarily includes starchy materials such as paper, fabrics, and glue, along with wallpaper paste and other cellulose-based substances.

Small holes or chew marks on paper, clothing, or other household items are often the first signs of an infestation. Without intervention, silverfish will continue to seek out moisture and food throughout your home.

Closeup of a silverfish crawling against wood.

Understanding How Silverfish Enter Homes

Silverfish are experts at slipping indoors. These tiny pests can enter through the smallest cracks around doors, windows, and foundations while searching for warmth and shelter. Once inside, they are drawn to damp, dark areas like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. In Southold and Southampton, frequent rain and persistent moisture create ideal conditions for them to thrive.

Being nocturnal, silverfish stay hidden during the day. They favor cool, dark spaces such as cracks, crevices, and behind furniture, making them hard to detect. Their flat bodies allow them to squeeze into tight spaces that most other pests cannot reach.

At night, silverfish become active. If you suddenly turn on a light, you might see one dart across a wall or floor before disappearing again. Their quick, erratic movements make them difficult to catch and even harder to eliminate.

The Hidden Damage Caused by Silverfish

Silverfish are harmless to humans but can cause hidden damage to your belongings. Their flat, slender bodies let them access narrow hiding spots like cracks, drawers, and boxes. Once inside, they feed quietly, leaving behind small holes or yellowed marks. Reducing moisture indoors is one of the best preventive measures.

They are especially drawn to starchy materials like paper. Wallpaper glue, bookbinding paste, and old magazines or photo albums all serve as potential food sources. Feeding over time can gradually deteriorate these items.

These pests also target natural fabrics. Clothing, linens, and documents stored in humid locations are at risk. Keeping these areas dry and properly sealed can help prevent silverfish infestations.

Indoor Conditions That Attract Silverfish

To effectively get rid of silverfish, start by creating an environment they dislike. Lowering humidity in damp areas like basements and bathrooms makes your home less inviting. Regular upkeep further discourages infestations. Common attractants that bring silverfish indoors include:

Yard Waste: Keep your yard clear of debris such as leaves, grass clippings, and branches, as piles of organic material can attract silverfish and other pests.
Open Spaces Under Structures: Seal or cover open dirt areas beneath decks, porches, and patios to limit potential hiding spots for silverfish.
Standing Water: Repair broken gutters and remove areas where water can collect, since stagnant water raises humidity that silverfish favor.
Shaded Areas: Minimize excessive shade around your property, as dark, damp soil creates ideal conditions for silverfish to thrive.

Closeup of a silverfish crawling along a dirt & wood log.

Preventive Measures to Keep Silverfish Out

Keep silverfish from invading your home by closing gaps in walls, foundations, and siding. Clear away yard debris and remove any standing water. These easy preventive measures are effective since silverfish feed on many common household items:

Food Storage: Keep carbohydrate-rich foods in airtight, sealed containers to prevent silverfish from getting to them.
Fix Leaks: Inspect plumbing regularly and repair any leaks to reduce excess moisture throughout your home.
Bathroom Ventilation: Run the bathroom fan during and after showers, and quickly wipe up any water spills to maintain dryness.
Insulation Protection: Ensure all insulation is fully covered so silverfish cannot nest or feed inside it.
Paper and Books: Store books, papers, and boxes in dry, protected areas to prevent damage from silverfish.
Crawl Space Ventilation: Maintain proper airflow in crawl spaces to avoid the damp, humid conditions that attract silverfish.

Year-Round Protection Against Pests

Throughout the year, changing seasons in Southold and Southampton can drive pests inside in search of warmth and safety. You don’t have to manage them on your own. Twin Forks Pest Control® provides a full, year-round pest control program to protect your home from common household pests.

Our expert exterminators start with a thorough inspection to identify any infestations. From there, we design a tailored treatment plan to eliminate pests and prevent them from returning. Working with Twin Forks Pest Control® guarantees professional care and helps block entry points to reduce future pest activity. Our services include:

Home Inspections: We perform thorough, multipoint inspections to identify both current and potential pest problems. Every corner of your home is checked to make sure pests have nowhere to hide.
Satisfaction Guarantee: Our 100% Guarantee ensures your satisfaction. If pests return, we act quickly to resolve the issue.
Comprehensive Protection: We provide coverage for a wide variety of common household pests. From ants to rodents, every area of your home is monitored and safeguarded.
Customized Treatments: Our pest control plans are tailored specifically to your home. Each program targets the areas most prone to pest activity, keeping your home protected year-round.

Professional Silverfish Control and Prevention in Southold and Southampton

When silverfish infestations go beyond what DIY methods can handle, professional assistance is the best solution. In Southold and Southampton, areas with high humidity often experience recurring problems. Tackling the issue early can prevent further damage to your home and belongings.

Twin Forks Pest Control® provides specialized silverfish control services. Their technicians use proven techniques to remove infestations efficiently and thoroughly. Once treatment is complete, your home will be free of pests, and you’ll receive advice on preventing future silverfish activity.

Don’t let silverfish ruin your belongings. Call Twin Forks Pest Control® for a complimentary consultation.