If you’ve seen tiny, silver bugs running around your home and wondered what on earth they could be, you aren’t alone. Silverfish are annoying household pests that can be difficult to get rid of. Adams Exterminating Company’s Denton pest control service offers a variety of treatments that include silverfish control. Call today to learn more.
Why Are Silverfish Called Silverfish?
Essentially, silverfish are called silverfish because they’re usually silver and they have a fish-shaped body. These pests can be brown, but silver is more common. They’re also sometimes called “bristletails” because silverfish have three long bristles on their back ends.
Silverfish also move like fish in a quick wriggling motion, which makes them difficult to catch. They prefer to live in humid environments, which means that they’re often found in warmer, damper areas of your home. Bathrooms are particularly common places for silverfish to move in, but they can be seen all over.
Silverfish Are More Of A Nuisance Than A Danger
Silverfish don’t bite or sting, and they don’t transmit disease as some pests do. Instead, they use your home and belongings for food. Silverfish eat paper, fabric, and other related materials, which can cause some issues for your belongings. They may also infest food products like flour and other grains, which is a health concern.
Keep an eye out for subtle signs of a silverfish infestation. You might catch a glimpse of one around your home, likely at night. You may also see shed scales or molted skins, but these are even less visible. Silverfish leave behind small holes in the materials they eat, especially around the edges. If you suspect a silverfish infestation, look at areas of your home that are particularly vulnerable to these pests. Bathrooms are often the right environment for them to thrive, while storage areas can provide food. Bookshelves and closets may also be housing silverfish, so check for evidence of silverfish damage there.
Five Naturally Effective Silverfish Prevention Tips
When it comes to preventing silverfish infestations, the best methods center on making your home less comfortable for them. Try and adjust the humidity in your house and limit access to potential food sources.
- Address moisture issues around the home.
- Store paper goods and clothing in sealed containers.
- Keep dried foods and grains in airtight containers.
- Dust and vacuum often.
- Seal cracks and holes in the walls.
One of the biggest factors that brings silverfish to Denton homes is moisture. When areas of your home develop excess humidity, that can create just the right level for these pests. This often happens when bathrooms, basements, or crawlspaces aren’t well ventilated; it can also be a result of leaky pipes or air conditioning units. Making these repairs can be a massive improvement toward silverfish prevention.
Silverfish seek out paper goods, fabrics, and grains to eat. Storing these things in solid, airtight containers makes them less accessible to silverfish and other pests. Additionally, moving items around on shelves or in storage areas can keep silverfish away. Dust and debris that collects can also serve as silverfish food, which is why vacuuming and dusting regularly also keeps them away.
Small holes, cracks, and open spaces can let silverfish into your home. These pests are small; they can fit through tiny gaps. Make sure you’re limiting the ways silverfish can access your house.
Unfortunately, as useful as these tips are for preventing silverfish infestations, they won’t always work to get rid of the ones that are already inside. When that’s the case, your best option for getting rid of silverfish is to call a professional pest management team.
What’s The Best Way To Get Rid Of Silverfish?
Adams Exterminating Company offers high-quality, cost-effective pest control in Denton, including silverfish removal. You deserve to live in a pest-free home, and we’re here to make that happen for you. We offer a variety of treatments so we can find what will work best for your home and your family. If you’re seeing signs of silverfish around your Denton home, call Adams Exterminating Company today to learn more about our service options.