(single visit to apply insecticide dust to the attic)
(monthly visits for 6 months, severe infestation)
Cost to get rid of silverfish varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from animal/pest control specialists in your city.
The average cost of exterminating silverfish is $200.
Silverfish can be a real nuisance if they turn up in your home. These tiny creatures can cause a lot of damage, and when you see three or four, there could be dozens more nearby.
Professional silverfish extermination is the only way to ensure that these pests are completely eradicated. Costs vary depending on how bad the infestation is and where in your home it is located. Most homeowners spend around $200 on professional applications of pyrethrin throughout the majority of the home.
Silverfish are insects found in all 50 states. So, it is very common for a few to make their way indoors into a home, particularly if they find a food source. If they locate food and the conditions are just right, they can move in permanently and begin breeding.
If this happens, you may notice a few insects as your first sign. They may be in the bathroom or another damp area or near a source of food, such as books, wallpaper, lumber, newspapers, cereal boxes, or bags of flour. If you see a few silverfish in one area, look more closely for an infestation. These include:
Silverfish are nocturnal, so you are most likely to spot them and signs of their activity at night, particularly in damp, dark, and quiet places where they like to live. This can include bathrooms, attics, basements, closets, storage rooms, and some kitchen cabinets.
Silverfish pose little harm to people or pets. They are not poisonous, do not bite or sting, and do not transmit diseases. Some people may be allergic to their shell casings, particularly those who are allergic to dust.
The real issue with silverfish is the damage they can do to your property. They can eat clothes, curtains, newspapers, books, and grains. Because they live for up to 3 years and can reproduce as many as 50 times during those 3 years, they can very quickly overwhelm a home. If this happens, they can do real damage to vintage clothing, antique books, wallpaper, and in some cases, lumber.
The extermination process varies depending on how big the infestation is. Most professionals first confirm the presence of silverfish and then determine the extent of the issue.
The most common method of extermination is to spray a chemical called pyrethrin around baseboards, cracks, and other areas where the silverfish may be. This chemical is lethal to silverfish and will kill the insects. This chemical is considered less toxic than some others but cannot be used around children or pets.
If the infestation is severe, the exterminator may spray a residual insecticide around baseboards, cracks, and the exterior of the home. This will not only kill the existing silverfish but will also help prevent new pests from entering for a period of time.
If the silverfish are in your attic and insulation, in your kitchen behind appliances, beneath your siding, or around light fixtures, your exterminator may use insecticide dust to help kill the pests. The dust will last for roughly 6 months and is effective at killing the pests and their eggs.
If your infestation is severe, the exterminator may make several follow-up visits to monitor and apply insecticide until the problem is solved. They may also use combinations of any of these methods, along with traps and preventative sprays.
Costs vary for visits and treatment, with minor issues starting at around $115 and moderate infestations, which means spraying the majority of the home, for about $200. Severe infestations and repeat visits may cost more.
Extermination is only one piece of the puzzle for completely ridding your home of silverfish. Most exterminators will advise you on prevention to help keep them from returning. Otherwise, the exterminator may need to make monthly visits to keep them away.
Prevention can take many forms depending on where the silverfish are found, how many there are, and your geographic location. Things that the exterminator may recommend include:
While silverfish do not carry diseases, they can leave behind stains and feces. You may wish to hire cleaners to remove these. House cleaning services start at $75 to $125.
Silverfish do not carry diseases, but they can do a lot of damage to your home, including books, wallpaper, curtains, clothes, and some food items.
They do not nest, but they can occupy large areas, especially when the area is quiet, dark, and damp.
Most silverfish are lured into your home by the smell of food. They like grains and carbs and are attracted to these things.
Silverfish prefer quiet, dark, damp spaces. So, it is unlikely that they will visit a frequently used, dry bed.
Silverfish are not fond of the smell of spices. Cinnamon, cloves, and other strong-smelling spices may keep them away.
Cost to get rid of silverfish varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.