What Bryan Residents Need To Know About Silverfish

September 30, 2023

Though there are many different pests that homeowners need to watch for, one of the most common nuisances you'll encounter is the silverfish. These small insects can breed quickly and run rampant throughout your home if you let them. While working with professionals in silverfish pest control in Bryan can help you deal with an active infestation, you need to know what to look for and how to determine if it's time to schedule an appointment. Here's what your trusted pest control experts at Entec Pest Management Inc. want you to know.

What Are Silverfish?

Silverfish are common nuisance insects that can infest homes across the country. These insects are typically small, growing between 1/2 and 3/4 of an inch in length. Most are silver in color, but they can also be brown.

They get their name because of their coloration and distinct fish-shaped bodies. But rather than having a fish-like tail, these insects have three long bristles on their rear end. Though these bristles may look like stingers, they're harmless. Silverfish don't sting but can pinch you with their pincers when provoked. Those pinches won't typically break the skin or leave marks behind.

Like many insects, silverfish thrive in areas with high humidity, like bathrooms, attics, and basements. However, you may still see silverfish throughout your home as they search for food.

How Silverfish Can Damage Paper And Fabric Products Around Your Home

Silverfish are not carnivorous. Instead, they feed on fibrous items in your home, like paper products, fabric, glue, and even food in your pantry. They look for easy meals and will happily munch away on the following household items:

The pages and covers of old books
Fabric
Upholstered furniture
Clothes stored in cardboard boxes or non-airtight containers

As they feed, they chew holes through the material. If the infestation is severe, they can quickly ruin books and fabrics. That's why it's important to work with an exterminator as soon as you see that first big silverfish in your home. The sooner you can treat the infestation, the easier it will be to protect your belongings.

Tips To Prevent Silverfish Infestations

Though it's impossible to keep all silverfish out of your house without recurring professional pest control services, there are some things you can do to prevent adult silverfish from becoming your unwanted housemates. Here are a few tips to help:

Fix any leaking pipes and plumbing problems as soon as you find them.
Use dehumidifiers in overly humid rooms.
Store old books, magazines, paper products, and clothing in plastic bins with tight-fitting lids.
Keep food like oats, flour, and dried grains in airtight containers.
Schedule preventative treatments throughout the year to keep new silverfish out of your home.

These tips can help reduce your risk of a silverfish infestation, but they won't help you deal with an active infestation in your home. If you've seen silverfish holes in clothes or noticed live insects around the house, don't ignore the problem. Call a pest control team as soon as possible.

How To Tell If Your Bryan Home Has A Silverfish Problem

The best way to tell if you have a silverfish problem in your home is to inspect those dark and humid areas like your attic, basement, or bathrooms. If you see a silverfish around, you likely have an infestation starting to build. And if you find holes in your stored clothes or notice your books looking tattered without reason, you likely have an infestation in full swing.

If you have a silverfish problem, leave the treatments to a silverfish exterminator near you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let our experts keep your home insect-free.

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