The Trick To Effective Silverfish Control In Your Houston Home
Do you like fishing, or better, do you like fish? Many Americans love a perfectly-cooked piece of fish. If you do not, don’t worry, because today we will be talking about one “fish” that is universally hated. Although technically, they aren’t real fish, silverfish are about as fishy as a pest could be. If you don’t know much about these pests but know you don’t want them inside your Houston home, here is a simple trick that will keep them out.
What Are Silverfish
Looking at a silverfish, it is not hard to imagine how they got their name. These shiny silver, ¾” long, fish-shaped pests are best known for their three long “tail-like” appendages and the way they move. Found throughout the United States, these pests prefer to hide around humid, moist areas such as crawlspaces, basements, and attics. The only thing that frightens these pests more than dry weather is interacting with humans.
Silverfish can survive for several weeks without food or water but will die quickly in a dry environment. Nocturnal by nature, these silver pests prefer to rest during the day inside cracks or crevices around homes. It’s only at night that they will emerge and look for food. Searching homes thoroughly, these pests will eat anything from dead insects to linens, to glue. It is not uncommon for silverfish to eat the glue that holds books together or leave unsightly holes within fabrics. If you don’t want this happening around your home, these pests are the last guests you want around.
Are Silverfish Dangerous
Silverfish are about as harmless as pests come. They do not spread any dangerous diseases; they don’t bite or sting. The worst problem these pests pose is with the damage they do to items around homes.
What Attracts Silverfish To Homes
Silverfish are survivalists and go wherever the environment is most comfortable. If the weather outside becomes to dry or cold, silverfish will look to find shelter indoors. As long as your home provides them with a way in and the food and humidity they require, you can be sure; if silverfish are nearby, they will invade.
Why It’s Difficult To Prevent Silverfish
The smaller a pest is, the harder they are to prevent. Unless you seal every single crack, gap, or opening around your home, silverfish will always be able to find a way inside. Despite this, there are still things that will help reduce your chances of a silverfish infestation. Here are a few prevention tips our experts recommend.
- Use a caulking gun and seal gaps, cracks, and holes in your home’s exterior.
- Make sure all of your home’s weather stripping, door sweeps, and screens fit correctly and are in good working condition.
- Fix leaky pipes and fixtures in and around your home.
- Use a dehumidifier indoors where it is most humid.
- Eliminate sources of standing water.
- Check your gutters and make sure they are working properly.
- Reduce the clutter in and around your home.
- Dust your home regularly.
A Better Way To Fight Silverfish
If you don’t have time to deal with silverfish on your own, or would like a simpler solution to these pests, let us help. At Modern Pest Control, we offer detailed exclusion and prevention services to get and keep silverfish out of your home for good. Our services even work to keep out a variety of other pests as well.
Give us a call today to find out what high-quality pest control services could look like for your Houston home. We promise your quality of life will be better with Modern Pest Control.