Snohomish is home to many kinds of pests; some are small, some are big, some have fur, and others are winged. What all pests have in common is that they don’t belong inside our houses. The silverfish is an example of a pest that is a frequent invader of our Washington homes. Their fast movements and strange appearance make them one of the more unpleasant pests to discover in our homes.
Guard Pest Control offers pest control in Snohomish that you can trust to take care of silverfish and other household invaders. Keep reading to understand better these unique insects, including how to control them and keep them away from your home and family.
Silverfish: What Are They?
Though silverfish have an alien-like appearance, we can assure you they are from this planet! While silverfish infestations may not be quite as common as ant or spider infestations, they are a pest that regularly finds their way into human structures. Luckily, the presence of these pests is easy to identify because of their unique appearance.
Silverfish have silvery scales that cover their tear-dropped-shaped bodies. They also have three bristle-like appendages extending from their hind end and antennae. Another way to identify these insects is their “quirky” movement. These wingless insects scurry from place to place using wriggling, fish-like movements.
Despite having “fish” in their name, silverfish are not aquatic but do have high moisture needs. Outside, silverfish live in damp, shady areas like the soil under landscaping ties, trash cans, fallen trees, leaf piles, and mulch.
Though silverfish prefer to live outside, when it becomes too hot or dry for them to be comfortable, they migrate toward sources of moisture. When silverfish live in the soil near our homes, they often find their way into our homes and become comfortable in damp basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms.
There is no question that silverfish in Snohomish are an essential part of the ecosystem, but silverfish in houses and other structures are unwanted, problematic pests.
Damaging Effects Of Silverfish In Your Home: What You Need To Know
While most people’s biggest complaint about having silverfish in their homes is how creepy they are, the reality is they are more than just unpleasant-looking. When silverfish are in our houses, they feed on and damage our personal belongings and contaminate surfaces and dry goods.
Some of the most common things silverfish damage in our homes include:
- Clothing
- Carpets
- Books
- Wallpaper
- Paper
- Bookbindings
- Stored pantry items
An interesting silverfish fact is that they can live up to three years. If you discover silverfish in your home, eliminating them is important. These insects can cause a lot of damage in three years!
Silverfish-Proof The Home: Essential Maintenance And Repairs
The best way to ensure that silverfish stay out of your home is to maintain it well. Make the repairs necessary to seal defects in your home’s exterior that can allow these insects to move inside with ease. It is important to remember that the silverfish’s flat shape allows them to utilize even the tiniest cracks and crevices.
Here are some easy things you can do around your home to assist in keeping silverfish and other common household pests out of it:
- Regularly inspect your home’s foundation and use silicone caulk to seal spaces.
- Install door sweeps on all exterior doors.
- Make sure weatherstripping is intact on all your home’s windows and doors.
- Seal gaps around pipes, wires, cables, and other utilities entering your home.
- Keep dark storage areas free of excess clutter.
- Use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels in your home.
- Make sure crawl spaces are well-ventilated.
It is also a good idea to fix leaky air conditioning units, outdoor faucets, and hoses that allow moisture to build up near your home. Damp soil will attract the attention of silverfish. The more silverfish living near your home, the more likely they will find their way into your house.
Take Action Against Silverfish: Get Rid Of Them Once And For All
In addition to the above maintenance and prevention tips, partner with us at Guard Pest Control to get rid of silverfish. By working together, we can ensure your home becomes and stays pest-free.
We are a local pest control company that is committed to our customers. Since 2013, we have been offering exceptional home pest control in Snohomish. Our professionals will perform thorough inspections and effective treatments to remove silverfish from your home and keep them from coming back in the future.
For the best silverfish pest control in Snohomish, contact us today. At Guard Pest Control, we offer a variety of pest control solutions that will meet the unique needs of any of our valued customers!