Do you need silverfish control? Do you even know what silverfish are? It wouldn't be surprising if you don't. If you're a new homeowner, a silverfish infestation may be something new to you. Whether this isn't your first rodeo, or you have no idea what a silverfish is, you'll find some helpful information in this quick and complete guide to quality silverfish control in Columbia—including some tips on how to get rid of silverfish naturally.
What Is A Silverfish?
An adult silverfish may be silver or brown and it will be around ¾ of an inch in length. Baby silverfish are much smaller. If you see a tiny silverfish, it isn't a smaller species, it's just a baby. There is no such thing as silverfish larvae. Silverfish begin life as nymphs which look like very tiny adults. Silverfish larvae would be maggots--if these insects had a larval stage.
Are Silverfish Dangerous?
When you see one of these insects for the first time, you may wonder, "Do silverfish bite?" We're happy to say that you don't have to be concerned about a silverfish bite. These insects don't bite. They scrape. And just in case you're wondering, you aren't made of a material that silverfish want to scrape on.
So, Are Silverfish Harmless?
Are these pests harmless? Not quite. These insects are known to trigger allergies, and their behavior patterns can expose you to harmful bacteria. A silverfish can go from your garbage to your stored foods. If it does, this can lead to bacterial contamination and food poisoning. But this is somewhat rare. The greater concern is that silverfish will damage your property.
A Few Things Silverfish Might Damage
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Wallpaper
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Documents
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Photos
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Clothing
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Upholstery
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Curtains
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Bedding and sheets
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Books
How Much Damage Do Silverfish Really Do?
If you've had some experience with silverfish, you might wonder just how much damage they really do. In most cases, silverfish don't cause a lot of damage. They need humid or damp conditions in order to thrive. But silverfish can sometimes surprise you. If these insects find a food source in your wall voids, ventilation ducts, or some other hidden space, they may be able to multiply and create a lot more trouble for you.
How Do You Get Rid Of Silverfish Naturally?
There are many ways to naturally deter and control silverfish. In fact, natural methods are the best methods.
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Silverfish are highly dependent on moisture. If you reduce damp conditions around your Columbia home, you'll reduce silverfish activity and reduce your chances of having silverfish get inside. A good place to start is to clean your gutters and make repairs to your gutter system.
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Silverfish are drawn to organic debris, such as leaves, dead branches, woodpiles, etc. Move these away from your exterior to deter silverfish activity.
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Silverfish get into homes through tiny gaps and cracks. Use a caulking gun to seal gaps and replace essential prevention materials, such as weatherstripping, door sweeps, and screens if they are missing or damaged.
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When silverfish get into your home, they can be significantly deterred by installing a dehumidifier in a humid space, repairing leaky faucets, and by addressing other moisture issues.
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If you store items in sealed plastic totes, you can prevent silverfish from getting into these items and damaging them. You'll also deprive them of a food source inside your home.
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If you store your pantry items in sealed containers, you can prevent silverfish from becoming pantry pests.
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Take the time to remove clutter. When you declutter your home, you remove the tight spaces silverfish like to hide in. You also make it easier to detect silverfish activity inside your home.
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You can monitor for silverfish activity by putting down sticky traps. These traps won't arrest your infestation, but they're helpful for detecting silverfish activity and monitoring silverfish populations.
Professional Silverfish Control In Columbia
When silverfish start appearing in large numbers, there is likely a hidden catalyst that must be found. This can be a very difficult mystery to solve, even if you have experience with silverfish. It is also possible to have conditions around your home that make it more likely for silverfish to invade. In either case, it helps to get professional assistance. Licensed professionals use methods developed by industry experts and use a combination of inspections, treatments, and evaluations to make sure a silverfish infestation is fully addressed.
Do You Need Silverfish Pest Control?
If you're in Columbia, reach out to Go-Forth Pest Control for effective silverfish pest control. Our service team is fully licensed and highly-trained—not to mention, some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. If you want effective pest control with a smile, you can count on Go-Forth Pest Control every time. Connect with us through our contact page and tell us a little bit about your pest control issue. We're here to help.
