How Can You Get Rid of Silverfish?
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Have you been finding small, slender, silver bugs scurrying around in your house? They’re likely silverfish, which are wingless insects that love moisture. They snack on various materials found in our homes – so you get rid of them by taking away food sources and calling in professional exterminators.
All sorts of pests look to take refuge in our homes when the rainy seasons come around. Some of the worst offenders here in Georgia are silverfish. These insects multiply in damp areas, so they thrive during fall and winter.
Although they are fast and freaky-looking, they aren’t a threat to your safety. They don’t bite or transmit diseases to humans. But in Georgia, many homeowners really dislike them, especially when it rains.
Whether you’re not sure what pests are living in your bathroom and crawl spaces or you’re used to silverfish infestations, read on.
What are silverfish? (and why do I have them?)
Silverfish are small, wingless insects that usually only reach about ¾” in length. They have flat bodies, skinny legs, long antennae, and silver coloration on their backs. Their name comes from this color paired with their fish-like movements.
In the right conditions, they can live for up to three years. But what are the right conditions? Silverfish are one of the least picky pests in Georgia in terms of their dietary preferences. They will eat cellulose in any available form, whether that be in wooden furniture, paper, or your home’s structure. Silverfish eat clothing, curtains, and wallpaper. They also consume starch, glue, and materials found in paper products.
Once in your house, they will search for food. They might snack on paper, carpet, clothing, paint, glue, hair, dead insects, and even their own exoskeletons. And that’s no exaggeration! If you see bugs like this in your bathroom, under the sink, in crawl spaces, or in the basement, you have a silverfish infestation.
Where do silverfish come from?
Silverfish get into your home through tiny cracks and crevices. They look for moist places like bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. Silverfish love humid, dark, and damp spots. That’s why they often invade homes in Georgia during the rainy season.
They are nocturnal, so you might not see them during the day. However, you may catch a glimpse of silverfish scurrying in the dark when you turn on the lights at night.
Are silverfish harmful?
Silverfish do not carry diseases or bite people, but they can still damage your belongings.
These pests love to eat paper products. They target books, photographs, and important documents. They also feed on clothing, particularly those made from natural fibers like cotton and linen.
Say Goodbye to Pest Problems for Good!
How to Get Rid of Silverfish
To get rid of silverfish, you have to create an inhospitable environment. Using dehumidifiers in spaces where they gather will help to clear them out. General home maintenance goes a long way in preventing silverfish!
These are some of the conditions that might have drawn them in:
- Piles of yard waste left out
- Broken gutters leaving pools of standing water
- Decks, porches, or patios with open dirt spaces underneath
- Excessive shade keeping rainwater from drying in the soil
How to Prevent a Silverfish Infestation
To keep them out, fill any gaps in your siding, walls, or foundation. This stops access to your home. Additionally, pour out any sources of standing water and clear out any excess yard waste piling up in your lawn.
Although this is difficult due to their varied diet, take these actions:
- Store carb-heavy foods in airtight containers.
- Limit access to insulation by making sure it is covered.
- Store books, paper, and boxes in dry places.
It’s also crucial to take care of any sources of excess moisture. Check around your house to make sure that none of your plumbing fixtures are leaking. To stop moisture in your bathroom, run the fan during and after showers. Also, wipe up any spilled water. Also, make sure that your crawl spaces are as well-ventilated as they can be.
Active Pest Control’s Pest365 Treatment Program
As the seasons change in Georgia, so do the types of pests that threaten to invade your home. However, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Active Pest Control offers the PestFree365 program to protect you all year from 25 common pests in our area.
We take a detailed approach. First, we inspect your property to find any active infestations. After we assess the situation, we’ll create a tailored treatment plan. This plan will remove the pests and keep them from coming back.
When you choose PestFree365, you can rest assured that your home is in good hands. We’ll help you develop an exclusion strategy. This plan will close off entry points and make your home less appealing to pests.
Our service includes:
- Thorough, multipoint home inspections
- Regular pest treatments scheduled just for you.
- The PestFree365 Guarantee for your satisfaction
- Comprehensive protection against 25 common household pests
Silverfish Pest Control in Georgia
If your silverfish problem is too big to handle, contact your local pest control company for help.
The technicians at Active Pest Control know how to stop silverfish infestations. We use the safest and most effective silverfish removal strategies to keep your house clean and pest-free. We’ll quickly eliminate silverfish infestations and keep them away for good.
If you need to get silverfish out of your home today, reach out to our team today for a free service quote!