There are many strange pests in Waco you could find yourself dealing with at one point or another as a homeowner, but there are some you might be more familiar with than others. Most people know, for example, that cockroaches are dangerous and disgusting. But, other pests, such as silverfish, aren’t as well-known in the general population, and therefore, people can have many questions about them. To help you prevent and control silverfish in your Waco home, read on to learn more.
What Do Silverfish Look Like?
Silverfish look quite odd. They have a long pair of antennae and long feelers coming out the ends of their bodies. They are usually a silvery color, and they have tapered bodies and are known for their fish-like movements. Because of their appearance, many people assume that they are dangerous and often bite or sting, but this isn’t the case.
They don’t sting or bite, and they also aren’t known to cause illnesses in people or pets. Overall, they are mostly considered unsightly nuisance pests.
How And Why Silverfish Get Into Homes
Silverfish are attracted to properties that have excess humidity problems and also access to food. They will get into various food sources, including pantry items like cereals and other stored products. Plus, they also eat papers, books, adhesives, and other similar items.
This means they can do some degree of property damage, especially if they are allowed to remain and grow their population.
They need a lot of humidity to thrive, and once they get indoors, they will be found in places like basements, crawl spaces, and other areas that lack sufficient ventilation.
Along with the factors that attract silverfish to a property, they also need to be able to actually get inside. Silverfish are less than an inch long when fully grown, so it’s not difficult for them to find ways inside. They can slip under doors and windows or find entry through holes in the walls and foundation.
Effective Silverfish Prevention Measures
Silverfish are difficult to completely deter because they can gain access through many tiny cracks, but they aren’t impossible to prevent. There are ways to remove the factors that attract them and to seal up their entry points.
Here are a few specific silverfish prevention measures to take:
- Remove mulch, dead leaves, grass clippings, and water damaged wood from around the property.
- Use dehumidifiers and fix leaky plumbing to reduce humidity inside of your home.
- Store cereals and other pantry products in sealed containers.
- Eliminate standing water from around the yard and ensure that rain gutters are kept clear so that they can drain correctly.
- Install door sweeps and weather stripping. If you already have door sweeps and weather stripping, ensure they don’t need to be replaced or repaired.
- Use caulk and foam insulation to fill up cracks and holes in the exterior of the building.
- Talk to pest control professionals for more assistance.
Contact EnviroGuard For Help
When silverfish are living inside of your home, the easiest way to remove them is with professional assistance from EnviroGuard. Our expert team of technicians can tackle silverfish control and keep them away throughout the year.
To get started, just give us a call to learn more or to schedule an appointment.