Our Silverfish Control Services

Despite the aquatic title, silverfish are not actually fish; they’re insects. They get their name because of the shiny silver scales that coat their bodies and their attraction to wet areas. They are unique as insects go, and unfortunately, they can be quite destructive.

Their separation from most other bugs comes from their diet and their life cycles. While most insects have four life stages, silverfish have just three: egg, nymph, and adult. That’s known as a “simple change,” which means the insect is born already looking like it will as an adult, but smaller. Other bugs, like caterpillars, are metamorphic, going through a cocoon phase before transforming into butterflies.

These slithery creatures don’t have a “mating season” but instead can give birth year-round. The eggs sit for about a month before hatching, and the young come out ready to wreak havoc. After three or four months, they’ve reached adulthood and have settled into their silver color. In that final stage, they reach around ¾ inch long and have two antennae along the front of their head, paired with two eyes and matched by three thin tails on their opposite end. They have a lifespan of about four years.

They feed on starchy and protein-rich materials. In the wild, that’s grains and vegetables. Once they make it into homes and businesses, they tear through paper, book bindings, flour, and pantry staples. They digest the cellulose from plant-based fabrics, including cotton and linen. That’s another trait unique to silverfish; most other bugs damage the fabric and feed on it but cannot digest the material itself and are actually after the organic matter collected on it.

In their natural habitat, silverfish live by creeks, streams, or other shallow bodies of water. They’re attracted to dark, damp spaces and require a steady stream of humidity to survive. There are plenty of areas that meet the mark in your home or office as dampness can settle into wood and furniture, even outside of the bathroom. Even seemingly cold, arid buildings like airports aren’t immune to infestations – Chicago O’Hare, for instance, has an entire Integrated Pest Control plan for its services that include addressing these pests.

Keeping them at bay without the help of a professional is no simple task. If you spot one, it suggests a much greater population already infesting your property. They hide near pipes and wires, tiny cracks and crevices, and blend easily into the carpet. They’re extremely speedy and can sprint out of view in the blink of an eye. Despite their avid appetite they don’t need to feed constantly and can survive for an entire year without feeding.

If you’re facing a pest problem, Midwest Pest Solutions has you covered. The company is owned and run by a local family that truly loves to better our community. We have immense pride in Cook County and strive to make it as best as it can be. For us, that means a thorough and relentless pursuit of pests to make sure you feel comfortable in your home and business.

Why Choose Midwest Pest Solutions, LLC

We’re passionate about helping people just like you get rid of unwanted pest problems. As such, we are proud to be the only pest control company in Chicago, IL promising excellence in value, service, and trust.