When to Call a Silverfish Exterminator: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Did you see silverfish running all over your house or notice that your belongings are being ruined? If that is the case, then it is time to take action. Silverfish may appear small and harmless, but they can ruin many of your belongings and your house. The question is, when do you know that it is time to call a silverfish exterminator? In this blog, we will be talking about the signs of silverfish infestation, why silverfish pest control is needed, and why a professional is best suited for the task.

What are Silverfish? Why Should You Care?

Silverfish are small, wingless insects resembling small fish, moving about in a jerky motion. They are either silver or grayish and have scaly bodies. Silverfish prefer wet, damp environments, and basements, bathrooms, and kitchens are the most likely places where you will find them. Although they do not bite, they feed on starches, sugars, and proteins in such items as paper, glue, and apparel.

Silverfish can eventually ruin a lot of personal items, such as books, wallpaper, clothing, and even food, in the long run. The longer you wait before getting the problem fixed, the more severe the issue will be. You need to spend time learning the signs that indicate you need a silverfish exterminator.

Signs That You Need a Silverfish Exterminator

If you see any of these signs in your house, do not ignore them. Perhaps you need to have a silverfish exterminator assist you.

1. Having Silverfish in Your Home

The easiest indication of infestation is spotting silverfish. Silverfish come out at night and hide during the day. They may be found in bathrooms, the kitchen, or the basement, or they may be found in closets or attics. If you spot silverfish on your walls or the floor, it is an indication that they have already invaded your house.

2. Unexplained Damage to Books, Clothes, or Wallpaper

Silverfish simply adore eating organic material. If you find holes or destruction in your books, wallpaper, or clothes, they are probably the cause. Silverfish will eat book pages, one after another, or destroy wallpaper by eating the adhesive on the back of the paper. They even destroy clothes by fraying them, leaving your clothes and linen in tatters.

3. Droppings Discovery

Silverfish feces are tiny black spots. Feces will be found close to where the silverfish are hiding, such as in a corner, under a sink, or behind a piece of furniture. If you see these tiny black spots in your house, it means that you have a silverfish infestation.

4. Yellowish Stains

If you notice yellow spots on your wallpaper, books, or clothes, then silverfish are responsible. The spots are from the silverfish breaking down materials and excreting their waste. The spots are hard to clean and are definite proof that the pests have taken over your home.

5. Damp or Musty Odor

Silverfish prefer wet, humid areas. If you notice a damp smell, it may indicate that you have a silverfish infestation. Water leaks or poor ventilation in your home are bound to create the ideal environment for the breeding of these creatures. A damp smell in the kitchen, basement, or bathroom is a sure sign.

How to Eliminate Silverfish

Since you now know the infestation signs, you may wonder how to get rid of silverfish in the house. Below are some actions you can take to deal with this issue:

1. Reduced Humidity Levels

Silverfish prefer damp areas. To get rid of them, start by reducing the humidity around your house. Place a dehumidifier in damp areas, such as the basement, bathroom, and kitchen. You may also increase ventilation by opening windows and using fans to move air around.

2. Seal Entry Points

Silverfish can enter your home through tiny crevices and cracks in windows, doors, or walls. Inspect your home for crevices and seal them with weatherstrip or caulk. This will keep silverfish from entering your home in the future and keep an infestation from spiraling out of control.

3. Clean Regularly

Silverfish are nourished by crumbs, food waste, and organic matter. Cleaning your dwelling will prevent the availability of food sources. Vacuum your carpets and floors on a regular basis, particularly in corners and hard-to-reach places. Inspect areas such as behind furniture items, near sinks, and along baseboards. Store food, too, in sealed containers to avoid inviting bugs.

4. Recycle Paper and Cardboard

Silverfish enjoy consuming paper, glue, and cardboard. If you have cardboard boxes, magazines, and old books, it is time to get rid of them. Keep books and other materials such as books in sealed plastic bins or stacked on shelves to prevent them from reaching silverfish. This will deter the infestation.

5. Use Traps and Insecticides

You can purchase silverfish traps and insecticides at your local store. You can use them to control a small infestation, but they might not be sufficient to completely control the infestation. If the infestation is severe or ongoing, you should consider hiring a silverfish exterminator.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Silverfish Exterminator

If you have already attempted self-help and the silverfish remain a problem, it is now time to seek professional silverfish infestation treatment. Here's why calling in a professional is usually the way to go:

1. Expertise and Experience

A silverfish exterminator has the experience and training required to accurately assess the extent of the infestation and deliver the most effective remedy. They are familiar with the habits of silverfish and where to find hidden nests or entry points.

2. Effective Treatments

Exterminators use treatments that are stronger than those available over the counter. They can treat silverfish at any point during their life cycle, and the pest infestation treatment will last longer as well. Moreover, they can identify which treatments are friendly for your pets and family members but efficient in eradicating silverfish.

3. Long-Term Prevention

A professional exterminator will not just eliminate the current infestation but also provide you with tips on how to prevent infestations in the future. They will inspect your home for water leaks, recommend sealing holes and cracks, and recommend ways of keeping the silverfish out for good.

4. Peace of Mind

It is tiresome and frustrating trying to eliminate the silverfish on your own. Leaving it to the professionals removes the burden from you. You will not have to stress about it because the professionals will handle it and fix it effectively and quickly.

Why Terminix for Silverfish Pest Control?

At terminix we provide silverfish pest control and professional silverfish removal. Our professionals are trained to identify, treat, and prevent silverfish infestations in your home. We incorporate the best equipment and techniques to ensure your home remains pest-free.

Our full services include thorough inspections, customized treatments, and expert advice on how to avoid future silverfish infestations. We're committed to getting you fast, effective pest control services that you can trust. By choosing us, you're not just getting a company; you're getting a company that's concerned about your home and your feeling of security.

Conclusion

Silverfish might seem like a small problem, but they can cause a lot of destruction to your home if left unchecked. If you've noticed any of the signs of infestation, don't wait. Get a silverfish exterminator today to get rid of these pests before they continue to cause more damage.

We offer effective silverfish pest control services to secure your home. Our experts will do everything needed to get rid of the infestation and prevent it from happening again. Don't let silverfish infest your home. Call us today for expert silverfish removal!

Call Terminix Today for Expert Silverfish Eradication!

Don't let the infestation get out of hand. Call us for fast, guaranteed silverfish pest control services!