Eliminating Silverfish From Homes

 How To Get Rid Of Silverfish

San Jose, United States - August 29, 2022 /Habitat Pest Control/

Pests are undesired insects or animals that have a history of living, invading, causing damage, consuming food in the home, acting as disease vectors, or causing other harm in places inhabited by humans. These include cockroaches, mice, termites, rats, and ants. Silverfish are pests, that contrary to the name, are not fish. They are wingless and nocturnal. They are common all over the world. 

Habitat Pest Control is a local leading pest control company in Bay Area.  This pest control company provides integrated use of non-chemical and natural pest control solutions for homes and businesses. In this article, Habitat Pest Control shares some information on preventing silverfish infestation.

Silverfish are flat-bodied insects that are long, broad in front, tapering towards the rear, and of a brown-silvery color. Silverfish are called so because they run extremely fast and seem to be swimming across a surface. Humid environments are where they thrive best. Bathrooms, attics, and basements are all parts of the house that are likely to be found. Silverfish are cannibalistic in nature, and also eat paper, linen, tissues, cereals, flour, etc. They can survive without food for weeks, and once they find a food source they stay close to it. These nocturnal creatures hide in cracks or crevices during the day. 

What Damage Do Silverfish Cause?

They can damage papers, books, and wallpaper mostly. But they have been seen as capable of damaging carpets and fabrics at times. Cardboard cartons, especially if full of books or papers, are the perfect place silverfish can live and get transported in. Once silverfish are in a house, they can breed rapidly, leading to an infestation that may need pest control services.

The following steps can be taken by homeowners to prevent silverfish from breeding and for effective pest control:

1. Keep Food Sealed Up

It is best to keep dry food like pasta, cereals, rice, sugar, and pet food in sturdy, airtight containers to keep silverfish out of them. Food left open and exposed is a source that keeps silverfish fed.

2. Keep Humidity Low

Silverfish are known to thrive in moist and humid surroundings. Keeping the home well ventilated and using dehumidifiers can help to keep silverfish away. Any underlying causes that may cause the presence of moisture, like leaking pipes, exterior cracks, faulty seals, clogged gutters, or improperly positioned downspouts, must be identified and rectified.

3. Keep Home Clutter-Free and Clean

Silverfish hide in and eat papers, magazines, and books that lie unused for a long. So unwanted or unnecessary papers and books must be discarded without delay. If any paper or books do need to be stored, they can be kept in airtight bins. And the area they are stored can be ventilated and dehumidified as needed. Crevices and cracks must be vacuumed using a narrow tip regularly. 

4. Maintain Exteriors

Silverfish prefer warm, dark places. They may be found under leaves, stones, rocks, bird nests, etc. It is safer to remove leaf and grass litter near the home. Gutters must be kept clean. Cracks must be caulked, screens must be tight-fitting, and windows and doors must be sealed well.

Some insecticides can be used against silverfish. It is convenient to have a pest control company handle silverfish extermination so that the process is as swift and thorough as possible. Habitat Pest Control can be contacted by homeowners and businesses for silverfish extermination in the Bay Area, California. They have inspectors trained to identify silverfish infestations. Habitat Pest Control designs a custom treatment plan based on the infestation identified and the structure of the building. To schedule a free inspection if silverfish infestation is suspected, Habitat Pest Control can be contacted on the number 001 (408) 922-9898 or by visiting their office in SanJose, California.