Pest Control Near Me: Silverfish in My Home
When it comes to a home pest infestation, there are a couple of critters that you simply don’t want to have. These include pests such as cockroaches, termites and silverfish. Because the first two types of pests are so common, it’s rather easy to find ways to get rid of them. However, this is often not the case when it comes to silverfish. So before you search for pest control near me online, read on to learn further information on just how you can begin to not only get rid of these pests, but also take preventive measures, so they don’t reappear inside your home.
What, Exactly, Is a Silverfish?
The silverfish, named after their fish-like appearance and movement, is often seen within hotter/humid climates in the United States. Although this insect is not a threat to humans, it is not exactly the nicest thing to look at, especially if it’s crawling up your arm or leg. In fact, silverfish can be very destructive if they get into old books or decide to release their excrement on your wallpaper. This is why pest control experts recommend getting rid of them as soon as possible.
What to Do Before Searching “Pest Control Near Me”
It can be tempting to begin searching for “pest control near me” or “best pest control near me” on a search engine. Although bringing in an expert is certainly recommended in some cases where the infestation is at a large scale, you should first look into attempting to do the job yourself. This is because these pests are usually rather easy to catch and are not likely to be dangerous to humans. Below are some of the things you can begin doing if you find any silverfish in your home.
Attempt to Reduce Humidity As Much As Possible
As stated above, silverfish are often going to be present within warmer climates. If your home is on the warmer side, this can make your property that much more attractive to them, and thus, they will quickly begin to find ways to get in. You’re likely to find these critters in your home’s basement as it is often the most humid part of a house. In an effort to deter silverfish from entering, you may want to add a dehumidifier. Other things you can do to reduce humidity as much as possible include:
- Making sure pipes are sealed properly
- Checking to see if the bathrooms are well ventilated
- Sealing exterior cracks using caulk
Getting Rid of Clutter Before You Need Pest Control
Earlier, we mentioned how silverfish are not likely to be harmful to humans but can be destructive when it comes to objects, such as old books and magazines. That is why, often, homeowners will discover a large majority of their silverfish infestation in their storage areas. This is because it’s a perfect spot for silverfish to thrive as they are safe within a humid area and have enough food to eat. To reduce or eliminate the number of silverfish, it is important to begin throwing away as much as you can. You must also make sure that you give the area a good cleaning after you are done.
Utilizing Diatomaceous Earth to Remove Silverfish
Diatomaceous Earth, or DE as it is often referred to, is a white powdered substance made out of the remains of diatoms, which is a type of algae. The way this powdered substance works is that it attaches to the skin of a silverfish, which causes it to lose its outer waxy coating. This, of course, then leads to the silverfish drying out and eventually dying. If you have a large infestation of silverfish, sprinkling this powder can greatly help in reducing the population in large numbers.
Setting Up Traps in and Around Your Home
In many cases, venturing into the infested areas and meeting the silverfish head-on can be a little too much for some people. In this case, it is recommended to begin placing traps around the troubled spots. This will allow you to get rid of the silverfish without really having to come in contact with them. Note that many of the poisons that are available on the shelves today will contain boric acid. This chemical is extremely toxic and can be fatal if consumed. Therefore, if you have small children or pets running around, it is best that the substance is not placed within reachable areas. Of course, if you are still concerned, it is always best that you contact a professional exterminator and learn more about the process and the available routes you have at your disposal.
