Family Owned Pest Control in Washington & Utah
License # 101704
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- License # 101704
Do you hear the pitter-patter of many tiny feet in your home at night? No, it’s not your imagination or even your pets or toddlers.
It’s the uninvited guests that can send shivers down your spine—silverfish and centipedes. These creepy-crawlers are more common than you’d think, and while they may not be the life of the party, they sure know how to make a home out of your living space.
If you’re curious about the differences between the two, this guide about the differences between silverfish vs. centipedes should break it down.
Silverfish get their name from their silvery-gray color and fish-like movements. These small, wingless insects measure about 12-19 millimeters in length and have elongated, flat bodies. You might spot them darting across your bathroom floor or sneaking around your kitchen cabinets.
Despite their swift movements, silverfish are harmless to humans but can damage household items such as books, wallpaper, and clothing.
Silverfish love moist, humid environments—think bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. They thrive in areas with high humidity levels, usually above 75%. Their diet is equally unappetizing; they munch on carbohydrates, sugars, and starches found in paper, glue, and even dead insects. If you have a storage room filled with old books and papers, it’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet for them.
One of the more alarming facts about silverfish is their long lifespan. These pests can live up to 8 years, which is a marathon compared to other insects. They reproduce quickly, laying up to 60 eggs at a time. Once you’ve got a few silverfish, you’re likely to have an infestation before you know it.
Centipedes are the stuff of nightmares for many, thanks to their numerous legs and fast movements. These arthropods can range from 1 to 7 inches in length, depending on the species.
Their bodies are segmented, with each segment sporting a pair of legs. Unlike silverfish, centipedes have venomous claws that they use to paralyze their prey, but they're generally not harmful to humans.
Centipedes are also fans of damp, dark places. You might find them in bathrooms, basements, or under piles of leaves outside your home. Unlike silverfish, centipedes are carnivorous and feed on insects, spiders, and even small vertebrates. Their presence can be a double-edged sword; while they help control other pest populations, their appearance is enough to give anyone the heebie-jeebies.
Centipedes have a shorter lifespan compared to silverfish, usually living up to 6 years. They lay fewer eggs, around 15 to 50 at a time, but their fast movements and ability to hide make them challenging to catch and eliminate.
Both silverfish and centipedes are attracted to moist environments. If your home has high humidity levels, it’s like sending out a VIP invitation to these pests. Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements are their favorite hangouts.
These pests are night owls. You’re more likely to spot them scurrying around after dark, which makes it challenging to catch them in action. Their nocturnal habits also mean they can go unnoticed for long periods, making infestations harder to detect.
Both silverfish and centipedes are quick movers. Their speed and agility make them difficult to catch, and their ability to hide in small crevices means they can easily evade your attempts to eliminate them.
While silverfish prefer a diet rich in carbohydrates and sugars, centipedes are carnivorous hunters. This fundamental difference in diet means that the presence of one doesn’t necessarily indicate the presence of the other.
Silverfish have a fish-like, silvery appearance, whereas centipedes are easily recognizable by their numerous legs and segmented bodies. This difference in appearance makes it relatively easy to identify which pest you’re dealing with.
Silverfish are generally harmless to humans but can cause damage to household items. Centipedes, on the other hand, have venomous claws but pose little threat to humans. Their venom is primarily used to immobilize their prey, not to harm larger animals or people.
Since silverfish love moist environments, the first step in managing them is to reduce humidity levels in your home. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and bathrooms. Make sure to fix any leaks promptly to prevent water accumulation.
Regular cleaning can go a long way in preventing silverfish infestations. Vacuum and dust frequently, especially in areas where they’re likely to hide, such as bookshelves and closets. Decluttering your home will also reduce the number of hiding spots for these pests.
Commercial traps and insecticides can be effective in controlling silverfish populations. Place traps in areas where you’ve spotted silverfish activity. Insecticides can be sprayed in cracks and crevices where they’re likely to hide. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use.
Here are three tips to prevent silverfish and centipedes from becoming a problem in your home:
Finally, be sure to conduct regular inspections of your home to catch any signs of pest activity early. Check for droppings, shed skins, and damage to household items. Early detection can help prevent infestations from becoming severe.
Understanding the differences and similarities between silverfish and centipedes is the first step in managing these pests effectively.
But if you’re still dealing with a persistent infestation or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Zunex Pest Control.
With locations in Auburn, WA, Salt Lake City, and Provo, Utah, our team of experts is ready to help you create a pest-free environment. Reach out to us today and reclaim your home from these creepy-crawlers.
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