Are you familiar with what a silverfish is? If not, you should get to know this little, slimy invader. A silverfish isn't much to look at but it can cause big problems, and more importantly, it could be a warning sign of bigger problems. Let's take a look.
5 Things Every Worcester Homeowner Should Know About Silverfish
Identification — At only ½ to ¾ of an inch in length, silverfish are very small. So, even if you've seen a picture of a silverfish, you may not recognize it as it wiggles across your bathroom floor. It won't look like much more than a gooey, grey worm with legs. If you look close, however, you'll see two long antennae on its head and three spines that look like antennae coming off its behind.
Silverfish Could Be a Warning — These insects are drawn to areas of high moisture. One of the many things they feed on is mold. If you see silverfish in your bathroom, it is a good idea to have a contractor inspect your home for water damage and mold. If rainwater is getting in, you could have serious wood rot over time and a mold issue can lead to serious health issues.
Silverfish Cause Damage — You can tell how much of a problem silverfish are by the items they feed on. They chew on the wallpaper, clothing, book bindings, old photos, financial documents, and much more.
DIY Silverfish Control — When you see silverfish in your home, there are two things you can do immediately to have some impact on these destructive insects. In some cases, these two DIY tips can stop the problem entirely.
- Install fans and dehumidifiers in moist areas of your home, especially basement areas.
- Do a detailed inspection of your exterior and repair any damage caused by water or wood-damaging pests. Seal gaps and cracks in your foundation wall. And be sure to get into hard-to-reach locations that are dark and moist.
Where a Professional Fits In — Sometimes silverfish get in no matter what you do. Routine treatments to your exterior can stop silverfish before they get in and systematic silverfish control inside your home can eliminate any insects that have invaded.
If you need help with silverfish in Worcester, Big Blue Bug Solutions can help. Our team uses the most advanced pest control methods to eliminate and exclude silverfish. Reach out to us today to schedule service.