Have you ever had a surprise encounter with an insect in your home? You know what I'm talking about: that moment when you're just trying to get through the day, and then – BOOM! An insect scurries out from behind the couch or from under the rug and you never saw it coming.
This is exactly how many people felt the first time they saw a silverfish in their Mesa home. For a common insect, silverfish can be pretty unnerving. They're fast and small, and they wriggle around with their long antennae waving through the air. If you've never seen a silverfish before, it's easy to think that they're some kind of alien life form that has come to invade your home. All of a sudden, Mesa pest control just got more interesting.
Silverfish: What Are They?
Silverfish in Mesa are a minuscule, flightless insect species that measures from half an inch to one inch in length. Their bodies are sleek and thin, covered in miniature scales, and colored in a shade of silver or gray that glimmers in the light. They also have long antennae. Being nocturnal, silverfish prefer the cover of darkness and damp environments such as basements, attics, and bathrooms. They are drawn to humid spaces and can survive extended periods without food or water.
The Issue With Silverfish Creeping Around Your Home
Although a silverfish infestation doesn't pose any direct harm to humans, it can inflict damage on household items. These creepy-crawlies have a particular affinity for starchy materials such as paper, glue, and fibers, which makes items like books, wallpaper, and clothing vulnerable to their voracious appetite. To make matters worse, silverfish have a tendency to contaminate food products by crawling into packages and leaving their excrement behind, making them a formidable adversary in the kitchen and the pantry.
Five Naturally Effective Silverfish Prevention Tips
Over time, silverfish in your house can ruin your belongings, so keeping them away in the first place is a good idea. Wondering how to prevent silverfish?
These five tips will help.
- Reduce humidity: Silverfish thrive in humid environments, so it is important to keep your home as dry as possible. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas such as basements and bathrooms, and repair any leaks or water damage promptly.
- Store food properly: Silverfish are attracted to food, so it is important to store food products in airtight containers. This will prevent silverfish from crawling into packages and contaminating your food.
- Clean regularly: Regular cleaning can help prevent silverfish infestations. Vacuum and sweep floors and carpets, and dust shelves and other surfaces to remove any potential food sources for silverfish.
- Seal entry points: Seal any cracks or gaps in walls, floors, and ceilings to prevent silverfish from entering your home. Pay close attention to areas around pipes and vents, as these are common entry points for pests.
- Use essential oils: Certain essential oils, such as lavender, cedarwood, and peppermint, can serve as a silverfish repellent. Place cotton balls soaked in essential oils in areas where silverfish are likely to hide, such as closets and drawers.
These tips and home remedies for silverfish can save your household items from silverfish damage as well as make your home less hospitable to various other pests that may feel inclined to hang around.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Silverfish In Your House Fast!
If the silverfish are already overrunning your home, you can always call on the professionals at Pro Active Pest Control. We have eco-friendly methods of dealing with all sorts of pests, including silverfish in Arizona. Protect your home and the things you love with the help of Pro Active Pest Control's expert team of home pest control professionals.