Silverfish are one of the pests that you would not even notice until they have caused enough damage. These insects are wingless, have a silver body, and move really fast. While they do not bite or spread diseases, they can create a nuisance at your home.
Silverfish love to munch on paper, fabrics, and even food. Therefore, if you have books, important documents, or favorite clothes lying around, this can be a major problem. They usually hide in the damp, dark, and hidden corners of the house.
Homeowners have been exploring different methods of pest control, and a particularly famous approach is eco-friendly solutions. Not only will these methods help keep the pests in check, but they also create a healthier living space. Check it out here.
What You Need To Know About Silverfish
Silverfish are ancient insects that have been on Earth for more than 400 million years. Therefore, they have learned how to survive and thrive indoors. These insects feed on carbohydrates, like the sugars and starches found in paper, glue, textiles, and even some food.
Though silverfish do not damage structures like termites do, they can destroy valuable items. They also cause your humidity levels to increase, which can further cause mold growth.
Silverfish, like any other pests, love dark, damp, and humid environments. Therefore, you will find them mostly around bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. These are nocturnal beings and only come out at night, staying hidden during the day.
The optimal temperature for silverfish is between 70°F and 80°F. It is important to know where they prefer to live and what they eat to capture and remove them effectively.
Eco-Friendly Ways To Control Silverfish
Pest control usually requires the use of chemicals and pesticides. However, if you are dealing with silverfish, there are several eco-friendly methods you can use to handle the infestation.
Silverfish love a damp environment; so, reducing moisture in the house is important. To reduce moisture, you can use dehumidifiers and improve ventilation. This way, bathrooms and basements will become less appealing to these pests.
Silverfish can sneak in through tiny cracks around windows, doors, and baseboards. Make sure to seal these openings with caulk or weatherstripping to keep them out.
Silverfish do not like the smell of essential oils like lavender, citrus, and eucalyptus. To prepare a repellent, mix a few drops of any of these essential oils into some water and transfer that into a spray bottle. You can also soak cotton balls in the oils and place them in corners or near furniture.
You can create simple traps using sugar and baking soda to catch silverfish. Inspect your house to check where the silverfish are the most. Make sure to keep these traps at those spots to make the treatment more effective.
It is important to regularly clean your house, remove food crumbs, dust, and other materials. Silverfish, like other pests, come into your house for food and hiding spots. Make sure to declutter your store room and basement regularly to avoid creating hiding spots for them.
When To Call In The Professionals
While eco-friendly methods work well for prevention and small infestations, silverfish can be tough to eliminate. If your house is subject to larger or persistent problems, professional pest control services are the best option.
The biggest benefit of talking to experts is that they can advise you on how to avoid attracting such bugs in the future. They adopt a comprehensive approach to ensure your home stays protected without excessive use of chemicals.
Finally, professionals help save time, money, and effort by getting the job done properly and completely. Talk to a pest control company today!