Pests come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are long and have hundreds of legs. Others are large and hairy. All are creepy in their own way. Amongst the most creepy pests that exist is the silverfish. This invasive bug has a unique look and causes serious problems for homeowners in Ventura County. If you have been seeing small silver insects around your living areas, you might have a silverfish infestation. Here is how to know for certain.
Pests come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are long and have hundreds of legs. Others are large and hairy. All are creepy in their own way. Amongst the most creepy pests that exist is the silverfish. This invasive bug has a unique look and causes serious problems for homeowners in Ventura County. If you have been seeing small silver insects around your living areas, you might have a silverfish infestation. Here is how to know for certain.
What Silverfish Look Like
Silverfish are small odd-looking insects that regularly find their way into area homes. Although small, these problematic home intruders are identifiable by their silver color, fish-like shape, six legs, two long curved antennae, and the three bristle-like tails that extend from the rear.
Signs Silverfish Leave Behind
Because silverfish are so small, they are often difficult to spot around homes. To find out if these pests are infesting your living areas, look for holes, notches, and surface edging on carpets, drapery, furniture, clothing, and other items that contain fabric. In addition to this, keep your eye out for yellow stains, tiny black pepper-like fecal droppings, and/or scales near the area you suspect silverfish to be.
How Silverfish Get Into Homes
Silverfish find their way into homes in a few different ways. Most often they are drawn in by moist spaces like basements and crawl spaces and enter homes through cracks through the foundation. They might also get indoors through damaged screens, unprotected doors and windows, and other less obvious entry points. Finally, silverfish get into homes by riding inside items like storage boxes and plastic containers
The Problems Silverfish Cause
Silverfish are not dangerous creatures. They do not bite, sting, or spread any diseases. What these pests do is damage fabrics, paper, glue, and other items found around homes. If you have books, newspapers, antiques that have fabric, rugs, drapes, or other similar objects around your home, you do not want these tiny pests around.
Some Simple Strategies To Prevent Silverfish
To prevent silverfish, you must do two things: seal off entry points they might use to get indoors and limit their access to food and moisture.
To do these things well, try these helpful prevention tips.
- Use a caulking gun to fill in holes, gaps, cracks, and other damage in your home’s exterior foundation and spacing around window/door frames.
- Inspect your window/door screens to make sure they are in good working condition.
- Install door sweeps under all exterior doors that do not already have them.
- Keep unscreened doors and windows closed as much as possible.
- Repair damage to weatherstripping.
- Store books, newspapers, and other items silverfish might eat inside airtight plastic containers.
- Use a dehumidifier around humid areas of your home such as basements and crawlspaces.
- Eliminate sources of water build-up inside and around your home.
- Dust your home regularly and do your best to keep things tidy.
- Vacuum carpets at least once a week or as messes happen.
- Keep dry foods in air-tight containers.
One More Suggestion To Prevent Silverfish
If you are tired of finding pests like silverfish inside your Ventura County home, you need professional pest control services. For the absolute best pest control in our area, turn to the experts at Ventura Pest Control. We understand the complications of dealing with silverfish and are equipped with the advanced tools and industrial-grade treatments needed to eliminate and prevent these pests.
Contact our team now to discover your best solution to pests and schedule your Ventura County home for a thorough inspection.
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