Why Silverfish Invade Knoxville Homes And How To Keep Them Out
Silverfish are small, metallic-looking bugs that move about in wriggly ways. They are also known as “bristletails” because they have three appendages that resemble a bristle. While silverfish are not especially dangerous to your health, they do pose a threat to your house and possessions. If silverfish have invaded your home, it’s time to call Urbanex for professional pest control in Knoxville to rid your home of these pests.
How To Identify Silverfish
To get rid of silverfish completely, you must first learn to identify them, as there are other bugs that look like silverfish. You can identify silverfish by their teardrop-shaped body, and their three tail-like appendages. These annoying bugs are silvery-metallic in color, and they move in a fish-like swimming motion, hence the name silverfish.
You may be surprised to learn that silverfish can live very long lives, from two to eight years. Over the silverfish life cycle, they can grow up to ¾ of an inch in size. Female silverfish can produce from one to three eggs per day, which means that a silverfish infestation could quickly get out of hand.
Silverfish have six legs, and their two antennae are the same length as their bodies. Although silverfish are wingless, they can move rapidly. If you have found silverfish in your bathroom or house, it’s time to reach out to professional pest control services before the issue gets out of hand.
The Damage Silverfish Can Do In Your Home
Although silverfish in Knoxville aren’t the most harmful pests to your health, they are detrimental to your property. Silverfish can eat any food like coffee or sugar that is unsealed. They can also eat the toothpaste left in your bathroom!
Silverfish can chew on books, magazines, paper, clothes, and cardboard (think of your treasured baseball cards or that silk dress you love). They also eat the starches found in wallpaper, which can cause serious silverfish damage.
Factors That Attract Silverfish Into Your Home
You could be attracting silverfish into your house or apartment without realizing it. The following factors could be the reasons why silverfish are in your home:
- Moisture: Silverfish are especially attracted to damp clothes and paper.
- Warm and dark places: Think of dirty dishes left in the sink overnight or wet clothes left in the washer.
- Carbohydrates and protein: They love unsealed food items or food in paper bags, such as sugar and flour.
If you think your home is at risk for any of the above factors, we suggest you schedule a free house inspection today.
The Trick To Getting Rid Of Silverfish In Your Home
To get rid of silverfish completely, it is likely that you’ll need a comprehensive pest management program. At Urbanex, we begin our four-part program with a house inspection. During your free inspection, we will identify the silverfish infestation hot spots, entry points, and silverfish signs. Next, we’ll proceed to apply silverfish treatment. After treatment, we’ll provide you with tips to prevent silverfish and a follow-up visit, so you can maintain a silverfish-free Knoxville home.
After getting rid of silverfish, you can take the following preventive actions for the future:
- Ventilate areas that are usually damp or enclosed.
- Dust your home often.
- Seal all food containers in your cupboards and drawers.
- Store your clothes in a dry area.
- Remove piles of brush, dead leaves, and debris outside.
Silverfish shouldn’t have to be a part of your daily life. If you are struggling to get rid of silverfish in your home, reach out to us at Urbanex. We know the silverfish facts, as well as how to exterminate them for good. If you’re looking for the best way to get rid of silverfish, reach out to Urbanex to get started and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Knoxville.
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