Try as you might, you probably struggle to keep silverfish from living in your home. These insects are relentless. Learn more about the ways in which you can keep silverfish away from your Frisco house.
What Are Silverfish?
Some believe that silverfish are one of the oldest insects in the world. In fact, some believe they may have been around 100 million years before the dinosaurs ruled the world.
These insects are gray or silver and range in size from ½ inch to 1 inch long. They don’t have wings, but you may not be able to see them closely enough to notice. Because they move so quickly, you may only see a silver flash. They are most active at night, which also makes them difficult to see.
Do Silverfish Cause Damage?
Silverfish aren’t dangerous to humans. But there are some individuals who have allergic reactions to skins shed by these insects. They molt regularly and leave behind scales that form a dust. But even if you’re not allergic to the dust, you probably don’t want silverfish in your home. They have been known to damage fabrics and contaminate food. Due to their penchant for carbohydrates and sugars, silverfish eat cereal, books, wallpaper, and clothing. At times, they’ll also eat newspaper and cardboard. You could open up a box of old photos to find that the pictures are half-eaten.
When wood shingles get wet, silverfish have a feast. Some homeowners experience significant roof damage caused by silverfish. What seems like a small nuisance problem could end up being a costly repair.
The Challenges With Silverfish Prevention
Silverfish can become an overwhelming problem. They get inside through cracks and crevices, and then begin to breed. Unfortunately, stopping them is a difficult task. Their speed and nocturnal behavior makes it difficult to find and exterminate these pests. Furthermore, they hide in the tightest of spaces. Unless you have experience with pest control, you likely won’t be able to find and eliminate every silverfish.
Silverfish Prevention
Fortunately, there are some ways in which you can prevent silverfish from joining your family. When you eliminate the factors that attract silverfish, you decrease the chances of them entering your home. Silverfish seek out moisture. Limit the moisture in your residence by using a dehumidifier and by having proper ventilation in your bathrooms and kitchen. You should also clean your gutters and ensure that water doesn’t drain towards your home.
Eliminating food sources is another way to prevent silverfish. By storing your dry food in airtight containers, you make your home less appealing to these pests. This includes your pasta, beans, and cereals. Vacuum your floors regularly and wipe up any crumbs from your counters and tables. Finally, you should seal up any potential insect entrances. This means caulking the exterior of your home and sealing up any open areas. If you see any cracks or crevices, repair them.
Exterminating Silverfish
Once silverfish have taken up residence with you, extermination is the best solution. However, this is easier said than done. DIY methods of silverfish extermination are unlikely to eliminate the population of silverfish. While you might kill some of the pests, you’ll leave others behind.
A DIY attempt could also put your family at risk. When not used properly, chemicals are hazardous to your health. For a safe and effective method of silverfish extermination, you should work with a professional.
Whether you want to prevent silverfish or deal with an infestation, there’s one answer to your problems. The best way to get rid of silverfish and keep them out is with assistance from the professionals at Adams Exterminators. Call us today to get started.