Dealing with a silverfish infestation? Learn what to do!
Silverfish definitely fall into the "creepy" category of pests you will find crawling around your home. These bugs can move fast and almost disappear from sight on some surfaces, thanks to their shape and coloring. Are silverfish dangerous? Why are silverfish even in your house? As we head into more humid weather, you might be asking these questions, and lucky for you, we have your answers!
Why do I have silverfish in my house?
The main reason why silverfish would leave their natural habitat of the outdoors and venture into your home is this: moisture. Silverfish thrive in warm, humid places, so if they can't find those conditions outdoors, your home's bathroom, laundry room, basement, and crawl space will likely meet all their living requirements.
Once silverfish enter your home, they will be looking for moisture and a food source. The good news is that you, as a human, are not on their menu. The bad news is that they love food sources with lots of carbohydrates, and your home likely has a healthy supply. Silverfish will consume cardboard, glue in book bindings, newspaper, and even flour. Their food preferences can hold a health risk for you, since silverfish droppings can contaminate your baking products. If you suspect something has had silverfish in it, it's best to throw the food item away.
How do I get rid of silverfish?
Controlling the moisture levels in your home is a vital step in eliminating a silverfish infestation and keeping it from recurring. If your home has a basement or crawl space, running a dehumidifier will go a long way this spring and summer in controlling the humidity and moisture levels in the lower parts of your home. Homeowners with a crawl space can go one step further and encapsulate their crawl space to ensure that moisture and humidity are a thing of the past.
In your home's bathrooms, make sure that you run the ventilation fan during each shower and for 20 minutes after to remove as much excess humidity from the room as possible. In warmer seasons, you can open windows in more humid rooms like bathrooms and the laundry room to let humid air escape.
Like most indoor pests, setting a regular house cleaning routine will have a huge impact on whether or not you have an infestation on your hands. Vacuuming is a simple way to get rid of any adult silverfish you catch running across your floor, but vacuuming will also suck up any silverfish eggs that may have been laid in your home's rugs or carpeting.
If you find yourself needing pest control and want it handled thoroughly, don't hesitate to give us a call. The BREDA Guarantee promises to fix your pest problem and keep it fixed—no matter the circumstances. Schedule a consultation online or give us a call at 770-466-6700.
