If you notice signs of insect damage on some of your belongings or have seen some strange silvery bugs wriggling around your home, you may have silverfish in your house. Silverfish are not dangerous to people, only to your belongings, but that doesn't mean you have to live with them.
This guide will help you learn more about silverfish, including how to identify them and explain the problems they can cause in your home. We'll also review some tips Del Rio pest control companies use to prevent future infestations. Keep reading to find out how to get rid of silverfish for good with Gold Star Exterminators – Del Rio.
How To Identify A Silverfish
Silverfish in Del Rio have a unique appearance that makes it easy to differentiate them from other pests. Their flat bodies have a tear-drop shape, similar to fish, that tapers from the head to the rear, where you will see three long bristles. Silverfish are silver to brown, with scales that have a silvery metallic appearance.
These nocturnal insects hide in small cracks and crevices during the day and usually spend their time in parts of the home that are warm with high humidity, such as basements, attics, and bathrooms. If you suspect a silverfish infestation in your home, the simplest way to eradicate it is to work with a professional pest control company like Gold Star Exterminators – Del Rio.
Why You Don't Want Silverfish In Your House
A silverfish's diet includes items high in starch, such as books, clothing, and upholstery. They will also eat the glue in book bindings, wallpaper, and starchy foods like rolled oats and flour.
Other than seeing a silverfish, you can often identify these insects by the damage they leave behind, such as the following:
- Silverfish damage belongings when they feed on them, leaving holes and notches along edges and etchings on surfaces.
- You may notice tiny silverfish droppings that look like black pepper in hard-to-reach areas behind furniture and under cabinets where they hide.
- Silverfish molt as they mature, leaving behind shed skins and scales.
- Silverfish leave yellow dust behind as they molt, and yellow stains on books, clothing, and boxes can indicate an infestation.
If you suspect silverfish are infesting your home and damaging your belongings contact us at Gold Star Exterminators – Del Rio. Our trained technicians have the experience necessary to locate the infestation in your home and eliminate it.
Ways To Prevent Silverfish Infestations In Your Home
After we eliminate your silverfish infestation, it is time to ensure they will not return.
The following silverfish prevention tips can help you to keep these insects from coming back:
- Use a dehumidifier in any part of your home that is humid.
- Repair leaky pipes and drains.
- Replace any wet or moldy wood.
- Store books, magazines, and clothing in sealed plastic containers.
- Store food items like oats and flour in sealed, insect-proof containers.
- Seal cracks and crevices in siding and around windows and doors.
Gold Star Exterminators – Del Rio's technicians can help you identify areas of your home that may attract silverfish and provide further prevention tips. Contact us today to learn more about our home pest control services.
How To Get Rid Of Silverfish For Good
The best way to get rid of silverfish for good is to work with a pest control company that can handle a silverfish infestation. Gold Star Exterminators – Del Rio has the experience and knowledge to help you eliminate silverfish and keep them from returning.