Most of the time, when you see an insect inside your home, you have a general idea it is there. You know a fly from a centipede, a centipede from a bee, a bee from an ant. It’s only once in a while that a pest comes along that makes you go, “huh.” Silverfish are one of these pests. If you have seen strange-looking silver bugs around your Tulsa home, here are a few things you should know, and a quick guide to keeping these pests away.
What Are Silverfish?
Silverfish are small metallic colored insects that infest homes across the United States. These ¾” long pests are best identified by their silver to brown color, long sometimes curved antennae, and the three tail-like appendages that protrude from their rear. Around homes, silverfish will gravitate towards moist, humid areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Without a careful eye and knowing where to look, it is often difficult to spot these pests, as they prefer to stay hidden and out of sight.
Signs Of A Silverfish Infestation
Although silverfish are great at hiding, they are not great at hiding their presence. If your home has an active silverfish infestation, you should notice some signs that indicate these pest’s presence. Here are a few things you should keep your eyes out for:
- Holes through clothing
- Frayed or damaged carpet fibers
- Yellow stains on fabrics
- Pepper like dots of fecal matter
- Damage done to curtains
- Surface etching on fabrics
- If you noticed any of these signs you should probably contact the experts at Montgomery Exterminating to schedule an inspection.
Are Silverfish Dangerous?
Despite their somewhat scary appearance, silverfish are not considered dangerous pests. They do not carry dangerous diseases, and they don’t bite sting, or claw. The only thing these pests do is damage fabrics, contaminate food, and annoy homeowners.
Why Silverfish Invade Homes
Silverfish need three things to survive, food, moisture, and a friendly environment. If the weather outside is too cold, hot, dry, or stormy, silverfish will look to find shelter within homes. In the same way, if silverfish find it hard to find food out in nature, they will look indoors to fill their tiny bellies.
How Hard Are Silverfish To Eliminate?
Silverfish are one of the most difficult pests to eliminate from a home. Unless you have a detailed knowledge of pest control products and strategies, you will be hard-pressed to find a solution that entirely solves your problem. Even if you do find a treatment that you think will work, there is no way to tell as silverfish are adept at staying out of sight. In addition to all of this, many pest control products can be harmful to humans and animals if you use them improperly. If you don’t know what you are doing, you could put your family and pets at risk.
Prevention Tips For Silverfish
Due to their small size, silverfish can be a bit difficult to prevent. That being said, there are some ways to reduce your chances of an infestation. Here are a few tips our experts recommend:
- Keep dry food stored away in sealed containers
- Store items with adhesives such as books in large sealed boxes
- Dust your home at least once a week
- Store your clothing in a dry place
- Use a dehumidifier around humid areas of your home
- Avoid buying fabric-based items that look damaged
- Use a caulking gun to seal gaps, cracks, and holes in your home’s exterior
For additional help excluding or eliminating silverfish, look to the professionals at Montgomery Exterminating. Our team has everything your home needs to maintain a pest-free environment. Reach out to us today to find out more about our advanced pest control methods, or to schedule a quality inspection for your Tulsa home.
