Silverfish are a nuisance for any homeowner. Getting rid of silverfish can be an intimidating task, but it's important to remove them from your home as soon as possible. There are a few steps you can take to make your home less hospitable to these pests; eliminating their food source and any excess moisture is helpful. Utilizing natural deterrents, such as essential oils, can also provide some relief. However, complete and permanent solutions will be much easier to achieve by working with an Everett pest control company with silverfish expertise like Guard Pest Control. We'll use targeted strategies to solve your silverfish problem and protect you from future issues.
What Are Silverfish?
Silverfish are some of the oldest living species in the U.S. They are small, wingless insects that get their name from their silvery-grey color and fish-like shape. Silverfish can grow up to half an inch long. They have two long antennae on their head and three tail-like appendages that help them move quickly. Silverfish are nocturnal and feed primarily on carbohydrates such as sugar, starches, glue, or book bindings. They also eat other insects and webbing. Silverfish prefer dark, undisturbed areas like closets, basements, attics, under furniture, and behind walls.
While they don't typically cause any damage to homes, silverfish can become a nuisance if not controlled because they reproduce quickly and lay eggs that hatch within two to four weeks. They are also difficult to remove because of their ability to hide and travel great distances in short periods of time. The best defense against these pests is to enlist help from a company with experience dealing with these pests, like Guard Pest Control.
Silverfish Can Damage Your Belongings
Silverfish can cause considerable damage to your belongings. These pests feed on a variety of materials, including books, wallpaper, photos, fabric, and even cardboard boxes or paper items stored in closets or attics. Silverfish are especially attracted to the glue used in the bindings of books and other paper products. Silverfish can also cause damage to stored items such as clothing and bedding, particularly those made of cellulose-based materials, including silk and cotton cloth. They may chew on fabric fibers, leaving behind small holes or fraying of the material. If left unchecked, silverfish can quickly spread throughout a home, damaging all kinds of belongings. In addition to damaging belongings, silverfish can also carry various parasites and bacteria on their bodies, which can lead to health issues if people come into contact with them.
The following precautionary measures can help prevent silverfish damage to your belongings:
- Keep your home clean and free of clutter.
- Store items such as books in sealed containers or plastic bags to prevent access.
- Seal up any cracks or holes in walls and ceilings.
If you do find a silverfish infestation, it is best to call in the experts to ensure the problem is handled quickly and correctly.
Why And How Silverfish Invade Homes
Silverfish are highly adaptive, enabling them to thrive in a variety of homes. They can enter through cracks and crevices in foundations, walls, vents, windows, doorways, and plumbing lines. Silverfish can also be accidentally brought into your home via cardboard boxes, books, and secondhand furniture. Like many insects, they are searching for food sources and high-humidity environments where they can survive and thrive.
Once inside, they will find a safe silverfish habitat, such as a bathroom, kitchen, basement, or attic. If silverfish are left to their own devices, they will multiply quickly and cause extensive damage to your property. The best approach to prevent a silverfish infestation is to utilize the services of a local pest control company with the experience to solve the problem before it's too late.
How To Get Rid Of Silverfish And Keep Them Out
Silverfish are a nuisance in any home and can be challenging to eliminate and prevent from returning. The best way to get rid of silverfish is to enlist the help of the professionals from Guard Pest Control. We are locally owned and have solved pest problems in Everett homes for over 20 years. We use the latest technology to correct pest problems and environmental issues that attract silverfish into your home. We'll even provide a free estimate over the phone.
Our dedicated team adheres to the highest industry standards, so call us today for an inspection, correction, and protection plan. You'll be happy with our service and guaranteed results.