Silverfish 101: What To Do About The Silverfish In Bryan

Silverfish
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a silverfish crawling on a wall in a home

December 15, 2022

Homes in Bryan provide the perfect environment for silverfish. They love warm temperatures and thrive in moist, humid conditions. While they don't bite or otherwise hurt people, they're ugly pests that no one wants in their home because they can destroy things you have that are made out of paper, plus eat food from your cupboards and pantry. If you're at a loss as to what to do about your silverfish infestation, rely on Entec Pest Management. Our experts provide the best pest control in Bryan.

Why Are Silverfish Called Silverfish?

Silverfish are not fish but centipede-type bugs that measure approximately three-quarters of an inch long. Their bodies are flat and covered with scales. They don't have wings and don't need them since they are very fast runners. They look and move like small fish, and yes, they are silver (or sometimes brown) in color. They are shy pests – they hide from people in warm, damp areas of your house. Many people find them in their bathrooms and basements. If you find a few, assume there are many more.

Why You Don't Want Silverfish In Your House

As mentioned before, they don't harm humans or pets, but silverfish love anything made out of paper and upholstery, and they even eat glue, food, and clothing. If you have wallpaper, expect it to be eaten by your silverfish population. It's quite possible to find silverfish in bed with you if they are after your sheets or blankets. If you store anything paper in boxes or piles around your home, the silverfish will find it and make it their meal. They may even lay silverfish eggs near their food source but most often will lay them under boxes or items on the floor. Silverfish eggs have been found in cracks and, once in a while, completely exposed near a food source. A female will lay between one to three eggs a day, and the eggs take three to four months to hatch if the conditions are just right. A silverfish's life cycle is two to three years. If they aren't taken care of, you will have a good-sized silverfish population and quite a bit of destruction in your home.

Four No-Sweat Prevention Tips To Deter Silverfish

While you'll need a professional exterminator company to treat your home for existing  silverfish, there are easy ways to deter this Bryan pest from getting into your home in the first place:

  • Reduce moisture in your home by using dehumidifiers, repairing any pipes that leak, and keeping wet or damp wood away from the outside of your home.
  • Restore any damaged exterior areas and seal holes and cracks that could serve as entry points. 
  • Don't store any paper products in cardboard boxes. Use plastic totes with lids that seal instead.
  • Vacuum your house often.

Since silverfish love Bryan homes, you'll have to always be diligent, keeping a sharp eye out for them. If you find just one, call our friendly experts, and we'll be happy to come and do a free inspection to see how many more you are dealing with.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Silverfish In Your Home

Honestly, there is no way to get rid of your silverfish infestation on your own. They're sneaky pests that hide well in places you wouldn't imagine. The best way to ensure they're gone and gone for good is to call Entec Pest Management. We've been effectively taking care of silverfish for Bryan and surrounding-area homeowners for over 25 years. We use safe products that won't harm humans or pets in the home. We also offer same-day and emergency services, which is something most pest companies don't do. You don't have to spend one more day worrying! Contact us today to get started and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Bryan.

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Homes in Bryan provide the perfect environment for silverfish. They love warm temperatures and thrive in moist, humid conditions. While they don't bite or otherwise hurt people, they're ugly pests that no one wants in their home because they can destroy things you have that are made out of paper, plus eat food from your cupboards and pantry. If you're at a loss as to what to do about your silverfish infestation, rely on Entec Pest Management. Our experts provide the best pest control in Bryan.

Why Are Silverfish Called Silverfish?

Silverfish are not fish but centipede-type bugs that measure approximately three-quarters of an inch long. Their bodies are flat and covered with scales. They don't have wings and don't need them since they are very fast runners. They look and move like small fish, and yes, they are silver (or sometimes brown) in color. They are shy pests – they hide from people in warm, damp areas of your house. Many people find them in their bathrooms and basements. If you find a few, assume there are many more.

Why You Don't Want Silverfish In Your House

As mentioned before, they don't harm humans or pets, but silverfish love anything made out of paper and upholstery, and they even eat glue, food, and clothing. If you have wallpaper, expect it to be eaten by your silverfish population. It's quite possible to find silverfish in bed with you if they are after your sheets or blankets. If you store anything paper in boxes or piles around your home, the silverfish will find it and make it their meal. They may even lay silverfish eggs near their food source but most often will lay them under boxes or items on the floor. Silverfish eggs have been found in cracks and, once in a while, completely exposed near a food source. A female will lay between one to three eggs a day, and the eggs take three to four months to hatch if the conditions are just right. A silverfish's life cycle is two to three years. If they aren't taken care of, you will have a good-sized silverfish population and quite a bit of destruction in your home.

Four No-Sweat Prevention Tips To Deter Silverfish

While you'll need a professional exterminator company to treat your home for existing  silverfish, there are easy ways to deter this Bryan pest from getting into your home in the first place:

  • Reduce moisture in your home by using dehumidifiers, repairing any pipes that leak, and keeping wet or damp wood away from the outside of your home.
  • Restore any damaged exterior areas and seal holes and cracks that could serve as entry points. 
  • Don't store any paper products in cardboard boxes. Use plastic totes with lids that seal instead.
  • Vacuum your house often.

Since silverfish love Bryan homes, you'll have to always be diligent, keeping a sharp eye out for them. If you find just one, call our friendly experts, and we'll be happy to come and do a free inspection to see how many more you are dealing with.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Silverfish In Your Home

Honestly, there is no way to get rid of your silverfish infestation on your own. They're sneaky pests that hide well in places you wouldn't imagine. The best way to ensure they're gone and gone for good is to call Entec Pest Management. We've been effectively taking care of silverfish for Bryan and surrounding-area homeowners for over 25 years. We use safe products that won't harm humans or pets in the home. We also offer same-day and emergency services, which is something most pest companies don't do. You don't have to spend one more day worrying! Contact us today to get started and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Bryan.

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