While some pests have names that seem to be totally out there, the silverfish is one pest with a very fitting name. These pests aren’t fish and aren’t related to fish in any way, but they do have a rather fish-like appearance for an insect. They also move in rather jerky, fish-like moments. They are usually a silver-grey color, and they have antennae, six legs, and long feelers. If you’re seeing silverfish around your Lubbock home, you might be wondering how you can prevent silverfish and remove them.
Are Silverfish Harmful To Have Around?
While silverfish look dangerous, they are mostly considered nuisance pests. They have an unsightly appearance that can be a bit off-putting, but despite this, they aren’t going to hurt you or your pets.
Many people assume that silverfish sting or bite because of their feelers, but they do not. While they could technically bite you, this is super unlikely to happen, and they don’t sting at all. Silverfish also aren’t known to spread any diseases.
The only issue with silverfish to be aware of is that they can eat through certain household items and personal belongings. They will chew through papers, book bindings, adhesives, cereals, and more. The damage is usually minimal, but it can add up over time.
Why Do Silverfish Come Indoors?
Silverfish in Lubbock are mainly attracted to homes that have excess humidity as they need this to thrive. So, having moisture problems around the property or inside of the home can bring them around.
Then, once they are near the home, they actually need a way to get indoors. They are quite small, at only around ¾ of an inch long, so it’s not that difficult for them to find ways to sneak inside. They can fit under small cracks in the doors and windows and get through holes in the walls and foundation.
In order to prevent silverfish, it’s best to focus on both removing the factors that attract them and then sealing up entry points around the property.
Some Silverfish Prevention Tips
To start with, you can remove excess moisture and other attractants by following these steps:
- Get rid of standing water from around the yard and ensure that rain gutters are kept clear so they can drain.
- Remove excess humidity inside the home by using dehumidifiers and fixing leaky pipes and faucets.
- Clean up organic debris around the property. This includes mulch, dead leaves, grass clippings, and more.
- Store cereals and other pantry items in sealed, airtight containers.
- Regularly clean kitchens and around the house.
- Remove clutter from inside the house and around the property.
After you’ve taken these steps, you can then make it more difficult for silverfish to get inside by fixing holes in the walls and foundation with caulk or foam insulation, repairing broken screens, and installing door sweeps and weather stripping.
Help With Silverfish Infestations
If you’re having silverfish problems around your Lubbock home, there is one simple way to remove these pests. The pest professionals at EnviroGuard can help with silverfish prevention and control through our residential pest plans.
Our team is made up of trained and experienced technicians who use a variety of pest control methods and treatments to address silverfish and other pest issues. To get started, contact us today to schedule an appointment.