The Cause of Silverfish
The Southeastern United States has a high number of silverfish due to its warm, humid climate and the prevalence of older, moisture-prone buildings. These environmental conditions create ideal habitats for silverfish, but with an environmentally friendly remedy, they can be kept at bay.
The Dangers of Silverfish
Silverfish, which may frequent unsanitary areas, can potentially carry germs on their bodies. As they move from one area to another within a home, including places near pets and children, they can contribute to unsanitary conditions. Additionally, the molted skin and feces of silverfish can become airborne, potentially triggering allergic reactions or exacerbating allergies and asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals. Moreover, the presence of silverfish in a home can cause anxiety and stress, especially for those who are unsettled by pests. Their presence may also attract other pests like carpet beetles, exacerbating health concerns.
How to Prevent and Get Rid of Silverfish in Your Home
Silverfish, teardrop-shaped insects, are known for their distinctive wiggling movement that mimics a fish’s motion. They have three long bristles on their rear and typically enter homes through the external environment, though they can also hitch a ride on infested items like boxes, books, or old papers. Silverfish primarily cause harm through property damage, targeting books, wallpapers, clothing, and other starchy materials within homes. They tend to lay eggs in hidden, moist areas such as cracks and crevices, making these eggs hard to spot and contributing to ongoing infestations if not managed properly.
Silverfish thrive in dark, damp environments such as crawlspaces, attics, kitchens, and bathrooms, where they are particularly drawn to paper and damp clothing. These areas often suffer from high moisture content due to poor ventilation, creating ideal conditions for silverfish. Habitually leaving damp materials like clothes and towels on the floor can further attract these pests. In terms of diet, silverfish primarily feed on carbohydrates, notably sugars and starches found in materials such as glue, book bindings, paper, and even dandruff, and they can also consume textiles like cotton, linen, silk, and synthetic fibers.
How To Keep Silverfish Away
To prevent silverfish infestations, it’s crucial to reduce moisture and humidity in the home using dehumidifiers and maintaining good ventilation. Regular cleaning, decluttering, sealing cracks and crevices, and using repellents such as diatomaceous earth or boric acid are effective strategies. In addressing an existing problem, Sloan Pest Control recommends an environmentally friendly approach that includes reducing indoor humidity and moisture, improving ventilation, using dehumidifiers, fixing leaks, and applying mild, safe substances in areas prone to silverfish activity. Sealing potential entry points around doors, windows, and utility pipes is also vital to prevent future infestations by creating an environment less conducive to silverfish presence.
100% Silverfish Be Gone Promise
Sloan maintains its 100% Silverfish Be Gone Promise, highlighting the reliability and personal accountability unique to a local company compared to national chains. This promise features personalized service, swift responses, and a guarantee that if silverfish reappear, Sloan will return at no additional cost.
Schedule a Free Property Inspection
Sloan offers free, no-obligation inspections. This initial step will help develop a customized strategy that not only targets the elimination of silverfish but also ensures their prevention, all while bolstering the local economy and providing peace of mind through dedicated customer service.
