All The Ways Silverfish Get Into Dallas Homes
None of us want pests in our home, much less those that are difficult to spot until the problem has gotten out of hand. Found throughout the U.S., silverfish may eat your belongings and food and cause structural damage to your home, all while spending most of the day hidden out of sight. Dallas homeowners need only read on for all things silverfish: how to identify them and how to prevent them from entering your home in the first place.
Silverfish As Pests: What You Need To Know
As their name suggests, silverfish are mostly silver in color and shaped like a fish. These pests are ½ to ¾ an inch long with antennae as well as bristle-like appendages on their rear. Silverfish feed on paper items such as wallpaper, glue, and books, as well as carbohydrates found in the kitchen such as rolled oats or flour. This pest prefers a humid environment, thriving under conditions of 70 to 90 percent humidity.
While silverfish pose no health risk to humans, their presence in the home can lead to significant structural damage if the infestation is not caught early enough. Because this pest is also quite small, quick, and climbs great heights, once silverfish have made their way into your home, professional pest management is often recommended.
How Do Silverfish Enter My Dallas, TX Home?
Silverfish may enter the home through structural gaps or shake roofs. As they are incredibly tiny, silverfish may squeeze through even the tiniest of cracks. It’s also common for them to gain entry to your house by way of infested material, or be lured by dirty dishes (as most hungry pests are). This pest thrives in warm, humid environments, able to survive several weeks without food or water if the environment’s conditions are right.
Because silverfish spend most of the day hiding out of sight, it is not uncommon for homeowners to fail to notice a silverfish infestation before it’s become a problem of scale. Females lay one to three eggs per day, placing them around the house in cracks, under furniture, or left exposed. As this annoying pest is both tiny and sneaky, just because you do not see silverfish in your home does not mean you’ve rid your property of them.
Dallas: Prevent Future Silverfish Infestations With Seven Easy Tips
Urbanex recommends those looking to prevent or get rid of silverfish in their home:
Address excess moisture build-up in the home. Regularly check utility pipes and AC units for leaks. Buy a dehumidifier for especially humid areas in the home.
Eliminate or repair any wet or moldy wood in or around the home. Clean and seal shake roofs every other year.
Store carbohydrates such as sugar and flour in tightly-sealed metal or glass containers.
Avoid storing old books, magazines, or documents in humid, underutilized areas of the home that attract silverfish, such as attics, basements, and garages.
Inspect the exterior of your home for potential access points. Check for gaps or holes, as well as for tears in window or door screens. Fill any gaps with a silicone-based caulk and install fitted door sweeps on any exterior-facing doors.
Relocate anything stored up against the exterior of the home, as silverfish are strong climbers and will scale the side of your house to gain entry.
If you notice signs or see any silverfish in your home, contact a professional pest management company to identify the source of the infestation, as well as eradicate the pest from your home.
Say Goodbye To Pesky Bugs Forever!
For more advice and assistance, contact the professionals at Urbanex today. Because silverfish may cause a great amount of structural damage to the home without even being seen, it’s imperative homeowners take steps to remedy silverfish at the first sign of infestation.
Urbanex is a veteran- and family-owned and -operated business dedicated to providing the best quality of pest control to our customers, no matter what it takes. Our expert service technicians will inspect your home for potential problem areas, tailoring a specific plan for controlling pests on your Dallas property. No matter your pest concern, look no further than Urbanex for friendly, reliable service in the Dallas, TX neighborhood. Contact us today to request your free inspection!
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