Pest Control Near Me For Silverfish
September 10, 2018
Silverfish got its name from it's appearance and movement. It has a fish-like shape, moves in a wiggling motion like a fish, and it's body has a scale-like structure and has a metallic silver color. They typically measure about 13-25 millimeters long. Sometimes they are mistaken to be venomous centipedes. They are mostly active at night, preferring moist, dark, humid places. They are mostly found in urbanized areas, in basements, attics, kitchens, sinks, bathtubs, garage, and storage boxes.
Silverfish Control & Prevention
Silverfish are considered to be one of the most uncommon pests, which may be because people rarely see them due to their ability to hide and run fast. They can even outrun their predators, such as cockroaches, spiders, and centipedes. They have a lifespan of about 2-8 years. They eat sugar, starch, protein, as well as dead and injured insects. They have the ability to survive for weeks without food and water, and up to 300 days without food but with water supply.
Effects On Humans
Silverfish rarely bite humans and do not carry diseases. However, some people may have an allergic reaction to it even without being bitten. Symptoms include itch to the affected area, respiratory allergy, and nose inflammation.
Effects At Home
Silverfish are destructive at home and are believed to attract other insects like carpet beetles. Silverfish destroy and rot paper, leather, and fabric products like mice do.
Effective Silverfish Control Methods
• Regularly clean your home. Vacuum the carpets and other fabric furniture because these are places where silverfish may lay their eggs. In your kitchen, store food properly.
• Repair damages in and around your home like cracks and holes. These are entry points for silverfish.
• Use a trap. Cockroach traps may also work for silverfish, which you can create yourself. Simply roll-up an old newspaper, tie it using rubber bands, then moisten it. At night, place it in an area where silverfish hide, they may infest it. The following morning, burn the newspaper.
• Use pesticides containing pyrethrin. Spray it in your storage room, as well as cracks and holes in your home. Make sure that you do not spray in places where kids and pets hang out.
• Reduce the humidity at home by using a dehumidifier or an air-conditioner. Since silverfish love moisture, they will avoid places that have low humidity.
• The smell of cucumber, spices such as bay leaves, whole cloves, and cinnamon are hated by silverfish. You can place them in your kitchen and around your home.
• Sprinkle diatomaceous earth (DE) in their hiding spots like storage boxes. DE is a powdery, non-toxic food-grade substance that is commonly used as an ingredient in toothpaste and polishing products. It is also an effective pesticide that is preferred because of it's safeness to humans and pets. It kills pests by dehydrating them.
• Use boric acid. Like DE, boric acid is also a powdery substance, but it is not as safe as DE. You must wear a mask when using boric acid, since it may be harmful to lungs when inhaled. It should not be applied to areas where kids and pets hang out.
• Put pockets of silica gel in storage boxes, bookshelves, cabinets, and drawers. Silica gel works like a DE. It also dehydrates silverfish.
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