It’s possible that silverfish were on the earth even before dinosaurs. Having survived centuries of harsh conditions and natural disasters, the insects may seem too hard to eliminate. But there are ways in which you can keep silverfish out of your home. Learn more about these pests and what you can do to keep them out.
What Do Silverfish Look Like?
It’s difficult to mistake a silverfish for another insect. Typically, they are shiny and gray or silver in color. They range in size from ½ inch to one inch long. Unlike many other insects, silverfish have no wings. Their slender and wingless bodies give them a unique appearance.
Most people don’t get a close look at these pests. This is because they are most active at night and they move very quickly. Although you might notice a bright silver flash crawling away, you probably won’t be able to examine the insect up close. They tend to run for cover.
Are They Dangerous?
While silverfish aren’t dangerous, they are unsightly. Most people cringe when they find them in their homes.
Silverfish have not been known to bite people and they do not carry any pathogens. However, they can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. These reactions aren’t caused directly by the silverfish themselves, but by their scales. When silverfish molt, they leave behind scales that form dust.
Even though silverfish may not be dangerous to you, they can do damage to your property. They feed on tapestries, cotton, dust, and synthetic fibers. Additionally, they have been known to feed on the adhesives in books. As they feed, they destroy your materials.
The Challenges Of Preventing Silverfish
One of the biggest problems with silverfish is the fact that they are extremely difficult to keep out of your Houston home. Most DIY attempts end with failure. There are several reasons for this.
For one, the silverfish have flat bodies that allow them to hide in the tightest of spaces. They are also extremely fast, making it almost impossible to catch a silverfish before it hides. Because they are nocturnal, the pests often go unseen. You can’t just find all of the silverfish and kill them. Although you might have some success, you won’t find them all. Then, the remaining insects will reproduce and continue to take over your home.
Another challenge with silverfish prevention is the fact that they like moisture. While you can use a dehumidifier to remove some moisture from your home, it’s impossible to remove all of the moisture. They will still find sources of water in your basement and bathrooms.
Furthermore, there will almost always be food for these pests. You could vacuum up crumbs and keep your home pristine, but there may be other sources of food in your home. For instance, wooden shingles tend to grow mold. Silverfish eat the mold, which gives them a good reason to remain in your home.
Is There A Solution?
Instead of trying to keep silverfish away and failing, there’s one way you can tackle the issue head-on. A pest control technician is fully aware of the challenges that come with silverfish prevention. They know what methods are effective at keeping the pests away, and are trained at using those methods properly. In addition to saving you time, they can save you money. Why spend your money on ineffective methods of silverfish prevention?
Some problems are too much for even the most experienced DIYer. If you have a silverfish infestation, you need the guidance of a professional. Contact the professionals at Romney to get the silverfish out and keep them out.
