Silverfish Prevention Tips For Maryland Property Owners
01/25/2022
Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are small insects often referred to as “carpet sharks” or as “bristletails” because of thei...
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As a homeowner in Maryland, there are a variety of pest control problems that you’ll need to deal with. However, when you try to deal with them on your own, things can get messy. In particular, when it comes to silverfish, these pests can be some of the most frustrating to deal with on your own. The good news is, with American Pest residential experts by your side, you’re not alone. Here is our rundown of silverfish control that we’ve learned from our years of experience protecting Maryland homes.
Nuisances In Numbers
Silverfish are very small, silvery-white pests that will invade your home in large numbers. They actually resemble tiny lobsters, only white in color with a shiny coat. As members of the crustacean family, they are highly attracted to humid, damp environments both in your home and your yard.
While these pests do not necessarily transmit bacteria or diseases like other local pests, they can be a severe nuisance because of their large numbers. They will search through your home for any starchy food sources, which is their main source of sustenance. This can include stored, dry goods like cereals and pasta, young vegetation in the yard, decaying matter in the soil, or even paper products around your house. Silverfish have been known to chew on the wallpaper, toilet paper, and cardboard in Maryland homes. Anything stored in a cardboard box will be at risk since silverfish can chew through this material very easily.
Proper Prevention Habits
Since silverfish invade in large numbers, it can be challenging to keep them out of your home, especially considering their small size and flexible bodies. To prevent attracting silverfish to your property, try the following methods of prevention:
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Identify potential entry points and seal them off with caulking.
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Reduce moisture issues by using dehumidifiers in basements and crawlspaces, as these are frequent areas for silverfish problems.
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Maintain the lawn regularly to ensure even moisture dispersion throughout the property.
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Store your food in secure, plastic containers.
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Store trash inside and outside the home properly and securely.
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Reduce pest activity on your property, as dead/decaying pests can also attract silverfish.
Even though these methods can effectively prevent a silverfish infestation, there is very little you can do to get rid of a problem on your own. That’s why you should be aware of the signs of a silverfish infestation which include silverfish carcasses, torn-up paper goods throughout the home, or large gatherings of these pests in the low-traffic areas of the home.
When To Get Professional Help
When you see the signs of a silverfish infestation, it’s time to get professional help immediately. Please don’t wait until the infestation becomes so robust that you’re unable to do anything about it. Many homeowners make the mistake of using store-bought sprays or vacuuming. Still, these methods will almost always leave silverfish (or their eggs) behind to continue wreaking havoc within your home; often in places you won’t even realize.
That’s why partnering with an American Pest residential pest control expert can be your secret weapon against pests. All of our treatments start with a thorough inspection to identify the source of your silverfish problems, and then we will apply the proper treatments that can keep your home and family safe from these frustrating nuisances.
We will consistently follow up to ensure the problems don’t come back, and we will always make you feel like our top priority. That’s the American Pest difference, and it’s what you’ll get from our technicians every time. Give us a call today to schedule an inspection for your Maryland home.
