Date Posted: May 19, 2021
Category: Silverfish
If you’ve ever moved a stack a paper to find a small silvery bug wriggle away, odds are you spotted a silverfish. These unwanted pests are common home-invaders here in Southern Maine, which has many homeowners wondering just how dangerous and how destructive these bugs can be. Furthermore, many people want to know what draws silverfish inside in the first place, and what exactly they can do to keep them out of their Southern Maine homes. Whether or not silverfish are a direct threat to you is beside the point. You shouldn’t want these little bugs living on your property. That’s why you need to know the effective silverfish prevention and control solutions you can count on to keep these unwanted pests out of your southern Maine home.
Silverfish Basics
Silverfish have flat, teardrop-shaped bodies that grow to be anywhere from half an inch to one inch long. They have six legs and three bristles that protrude from the backs of their bodies. Silverfish are brown in color with silvery glean over most of their bodies which is from where they get their name. Moreover, silverfish also get their name from the fish-like manner in which they move.
Silverfish prefer to live in humid and moist environments. They can often be found in basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. Furthermore, they often will be seen in or around stacks of papers, newspapers, or other similar products as they feed on these.
Threats Posed By Silverfish
Silverfish do not actually pose any direct threat to us humans which means many people regard them to be a nuisance pest. They do not bite, nor do they spread disease. However, that doesn’t mean silverfish don’t come without their drawbacks. As silverfish feed on a variety of products that are found in homes, they can damage property and contaminate food products. Silverfish eat papers, photographs, wallpaper, glue, books, and cereals. This means they will eat just about anything with sugars or carbohydrates. In addition to this, silverfish are simply unsightly pests that you don’t want living in your southern Maine home.
Silverfish Prevention Tips
When it comes to silverfish prevention, your primary objectives should be to eliminate any factors that attract them to your homes such as moisture issues or food sources and to cut off any potential entry points through which they might gain access to the inside. In order to accomplish these, you need to:
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Use dehumidifiers to address moisture issues within your home, especially areas with poor ventilation.
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Fix leaky pipes and fixtures and ensure all drains are working correctly.
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Store food in airtight containers or the refrigerator.
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Store old papers, books, or similar products in plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
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Store trash in bins with tight-fitting lids.
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Fill in any cracks in your home’s foundation with caulk.
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Install door sweeps under exterior-facing doors.
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Install weatherstripping around windows and exterior-facing doors.
Effective Silverfish Control Solutions
Even with the proper preventative measures, you could still end up dealing with a silverfish infestation in your Southern Maine home. If such is the case, contact the trained pest professionals here at Big Blue Bug Solutions right away for assistance. Not only will we effectively eliminate any silverfish infestation with which you are dealing, but if you opt for one of our ongoing pest treatment plans we will work with you to ensure your southern Maine home remains pest-free all year long.
Even if pests aren’t a direct threat to your health, that doesn’t mean you want them living in your home. Give us a call today to get started with a silverfish treatment that works for you.
